The Chamber Music Society Embarks on Beethoven Journey Tour
January 16, 2026
The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS) embarks on a four-city US tour in January with an all-Beethoven program led by cellist and CMS Co-Artistic Director David Finckel, who is joined by violinist Kristin Lee, pianist Juho Pohjonen, and violinist and violist Arnaud Sussmann. The tour begins January 18 in Grass Valley, California, presented by InConcert Sierra. This concert is the first of two CMS performances there this season and marks the second year of CMS’s residency in Grass Valley. On January 19, CMS returns to the Dallas Chamber Music Society. The ensemble then travels to Florida, performing on January 20 in Sarasota with longtime CMS partner LaMusica Chamber Music. This concert is the second of three CMS performances in Sarasota this season. On January 21, the ensemble opens the third season of CMS’s residency in Vero Beach, Florida, at Trinity Episcopal Church. The tour concludes in New York City with performances at Alice Tully Hall on January 25 and January 27.
On this program is Beethoven’s Trio in D major for Violin, Viola, and Cello, Op. 9, No. 2; his Sonata in E-flat major for Violin and Piano, Op. 12, No. 3; and his popular “Archduke” Trio, Op. 97. Pohjonen reflected on the “Archduke” Trio, noting that it’s a piece that really speaks to audiences: “It was [written at] a time of big personal struggles for Beethoven. He was becoming deaf gradually. We know that his life wasn’t that easy. And maybe that’s why it speaks to people well.”
Regarding the experience of touring this concert with his fellow artists, Pohjonen described the sense of discovery that comes with exploring the same program over time. “It’s like a shared journey with one program we are playing, and it’s amazing to bring this music to diverse audiences,” he said. With Beethoven as the centerpiece, Pohjonen noted that each performance offers something new. “Beethoven appeals to everybody no matter what your background is. Playing this in different cities and different venues is a unique opportunity, because every time we learn something new about the music, and every time we can bring something new to the audience.”