Experience the Philharmonic Up Close: Free Chamber Music Series
Experience the Philharmonic’s Free Chamber Concerts
The Fort Wayne Philharmonic is known for its grand productions—Masterworks concerts, Holiday Pops, and live film accompaniments featuring 65 to 100 world-class musicians. These ticketed events showcase the full power of the orchestra, bringing timeless classical and contemporary works to life.
But did you know the Philharmonic also offers free, intimate chamber concerts throughout northeast Indiana?
Through the Philharmonic’s Community Engagement program, our 45 full-time musicians form 11 chamber ensembles, performing around 300 free concerts annually across an 11-county region. These performances take place in schools, senior living facilities, libraries, coffee houses, and community centers, ensuring that music reaches audiences who might not otherwise experience live orchestral performances.
Bringing Music to the Community
Many of these chamber concerts are educational and take place in schools and senior care facilities, designed to inspire young minds and bring comfort to older audiences. However, we also provide public, family-friendly concerts in welcoming spaces throughout the community.
Some of the Philharmonic’s talented chamber ensembles include:
- Freimann String Quartet
- Calhoun Brass Quintet
- Harrison String Quintet
- West Central Winds Quintet
- Meadowlark String Quartet
- The Resonators Quintet
- The Back Row Trio (one of our most unique groups featuring bass, percussion, and trombone!)
At these concerts, audiences enjoy a refreshing contrast to full-orchestra performances—lighthearted, engaging music featuring jazz, classical, and contemporary arrangements. The intimate settings also allow audiences to connect with musicians on a more personal level.
A Commitment to Music for All
The Philharmonic’s dedication to chamber music and community engagement is unique among orchestras. Many major symphonies focus solely on large-scale productions, but we believe in making music accessible to all.
“Community engagement is our way of providing multiple touchpoints with our musicians and individuals all over northeast Indiana,” says Erin Bean, Director of Community Engagement. “We’re always looking for ways to connect with new audiences and bring music to the community in meaningful ways.”
The Philharmonic also partners with Audiences Unlimited Inc., a local nonprofit that supports live music experiences for seniors and individuals with disabilities. In addition, musicians like Luke Fitzpatrick, principal flute player, develop interactive programs, such as a “choose your own adventure” musical game, where students guide the story and hear different pieces performed live in the classroom.
Support Free Philharmonic Concerts
While these chamber concerts are free, the Philharmonic relies on the generosity of donors to continue its mission. As a nonprofit organization, we depend on corporate sponsors, grants, and individual contributions to support our musicians and community programs.
If you enjoy a free concert, consider making a donation at fwphil.org or speaking with a Philharmonic representative at an event. Your support ensures that we can keep bringing the joy of music to our community for years to come.
For upcoming free chamber concerts, visit fwphil.org/events and follow the Fort Wayne Philharmonic on Facebook and Instagram.
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