Events

Chamber Concerts

Attend intimate classical concerts in the Thornhill Education Center, sip hot cider, and meet the artists at a special reception.

Content Detail

Enjoy intimate classical concerts hosted monthly at The Morton Arboretum’s Thornhill Education Center.

From November 2025 through March 2026, five concerts will be given by small ensembles in the Arbor Room, where floor-to-ceiling windows offer gorgeous views of the Arboretum’s grounds and gardens.

The diverse performance schedule features fresh perspectives on traditional repertoire as well as creative fusions that expand the chamber music art form.

A post-concert reception will be held in the Founder’s Room following each performance. Enjoy hot coffee, lemonade, and hot cider while mingling with fellow concert-goers and the artists.

All performances begin at 2:15 p.m. During the winter months, guests are encouraged to allow extra time to park and enter the venue.

Performance Schedule

Sunday, November 2, 2025
F-PLUS

Sunday, December 7, 2025
KAIA String Quartet

Sunday, January 4, 2026
Black Oak Ensemble

Sunday, February 1, 2026
Cavatina Duo

Sunday, March 1, 2026
Trevor Stephenson

Learn about each of the performers.

Tickets

Chamber Concert tickets can be purchased individually by date or as a subscription. A subscription includes a ticket to each of the five concerts in the 2025–2026 series.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, either online, by phone, or in person at the Visitor Center.

Purchase tickets.

Purchase member tickets.

Cost
Concert ticket: $44
Subscription: $200

Member Cost
Concert ticket: $39
Subscription: $175

Purchasers wanting to buy multiple individual concert tickets but not a seasonal subscription are encouraged to call the ticket line at 630-725-2066.

Your ticket purchase supports the Arboretum’s vision of a greener, healthier, more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together.

 

The Morton Arboretum acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.

Performance Schedule

Sunday, November 2, 2025
F-PLUS

Sunday, December 7, 2025
KAIA String Quartet

Sunday, January 4, 2026
Black Oak Ensemble

Sunday, February 1, 2026
Cavatina Duo

Sunday, March 1, 2026
Trevor Stephenson

Performances begin at 2:15 p.m.

Tickets

Concert tickets can be purchased individually by date or as a subscription. A subscription includes a ticket to each of the five concerts in the 2025–2026 series. Individual concert tickets and season subscriptions include a post-concert reception and opportunity to meet the artist(s).

Tickets must be purchased in advance, either online, by phone, or in person at the Visitor Center.

Purchase tickets.

Purchase member tickets.

Cost
Concert ticket: $44
Subscription: $200

Member Cost
Concert ticket: $39
Subscription: $175

Tickets include admission to The Morton Arboretum for the day as well as to the Chamber Concert performance.

Purchasers wanting to buy multiple individual concerts are encouraged to call the Ticket Line at 630-725-2066 to make their purchase.

2025–2026 Performers

Sunday, November 2, 2025—F-PLUS

F-PLUS is an energetic trio of violin, clarinet, and percussion committed to building a diverse and forward-thinking repertoire through close collaboration with today’s most compelling composers. Dedicated to bold experimentation and artistic risk-taking, the ensemble champions innovative works that push boundaries and spark the imagination. With dynamic performances and a deep commitment to contemporary music, F-PLUS brings a fresh, immersive energy to the chamber music world by engaging audiences with soundscapes that reflect the creativity and complexity of our time.

Sunday, December 7, 2025—KAIA String Quartet

The KAIA String Quartet is a vibrant and expressive ensemble that bridges classical tradition with the rich musical heritage of Latin America. Celebrated for their passionate performances and innovative programming, KAIA brings a unique voice to the chamber music world. Based in Chicago, the quartet is known for its dedication to cultural exchange, educational outreach, and collaborations across artistic genres. With critically acclaimed recordings and appearances on international stages, KAIA captivates audiences with their warmth, precision, and deep connection to the music they perform.

Sunday, January 4, 2026—Black Oak Ensemble

The Black Oak Ensemble is a dynamic string trio known for its passionate performances, innovative programming, and deep commitment to musical storytelling. Featuring violinist Desirée Ruhstrat, violist Aurelien Fort Pederzoli, and cellist David Cunliffe, the ensemble has earned international acclaim for its virtuosity and emotional depth. With a repertoire that spans classical masterworks to rediscovered and contemporary gems, Black Oak brings a fresh and compelling voice to the chamber music stage. Their performances and recordings, including celebrated albums of rarely heard works, have captivated audiences and critics around the globe.

Sunday, February 1, 2026—Cavatina Duo

The Cavatina Duo, comprised of flutist Eugenia Moliner and guitarist Denis Azabagic, is one of the world’s premier flute and guitar duos. Known for their impeccable artistry, dynamic performances, and adventurous programming, they have captivated audiences across five continents. Blending classical precision with expressive warmth, the Cavatina Duo brings fresh life to traditional repertoire while also championing contemporary works and new commissions. Their critically acclaimed recordings and global concert appearances have solidified their reputation as trailblazers in the chamber music world.

Sunday, March 1, 2026—Trevor Stephenson

Trevor Stephenson, artistic director of the Madison Bach Musicians, will perform a concert of music by Bach, Handel, Scarlatti, and Frescobaldi on the Madison Bach Musicians’ Baroque Chamber Organ made by the Klop company of The Netherlands.

Accessibility

Chamber Concerts take place in the Arbor Room at the Thornhill Education Center on The Morton Arboretum’s West Side. The building has wheelchair ramp access, as well as a drop-off circle in front of the building.

The center has two floors, connected by stairs and an elevator. The Arbor Room is on the main entry level of the building, and is a level room. The Arbor Room itself has no stairs or ramps. If you use a wheelchair and need seating accommodations, please reach out to specialevents@mortonarb.org.

The nearest accessible parking is in parking lot P-21, which is connected to the building’s main entrance by an asphalt-paved path. There are additional accessible parking spaces in a small lot on the east side of the building, with a ramp to the door.

See Accessibility at The Morton Arboretum for more information.

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