May is National Chamber Music Month in the United States, and this year, ACMP expanded our Worldwide Play-In Weekend (May 16–18, 2025) into a full month-long celebration of chamber music. From Switzerland to Seattle, musicians of all levels gathered to play together, reconnect, and celebrate the power of music in community.

Below are highlights from just a few of the May Play-Ins. And if you want to join a future Play-In—they’re happening all the time—check out the ACMP Events and Workshops Directory and filter by event type “Play-In” to see what’s coming in late May, June and beyond!

CH, Switzerland – May 3

Ten musicians came together at Casa Merula for an afternoon of chamber music, joined by a photographer, a caterer, and one friendly dog. The session opened with Telemann’s Concerto in G Major, followed by a reading of Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No. 1 by a smaller group.

We closed with Vivaldi’s Cello Concerto in C Major, featuring Ariane Vincent as soloist and a full recording of all three movements. The day ended with refreshments, conversation, and a shared sense of joy.

—Dirk van der Marel, President, Cambristi Lemani

Vancouver, Canada – May 4

In Vancouver, Christina Wolf hosted a lively Play-In, and our Executive Director Stephanie was there to join in the fun. Christina always finds the best Play-In venues. Last Spring she booked multiple rooms at an art school at one of Vancouver’s main tourist destinations, Granville Island. This year’s space was even more unique – the multifaceted art space, Beaumont Studios. About 20 string players took turns playing in different combinations in the black box theater, art gallery, loft space (with a view of the mountains) and even outdoors right next to the sauna. Here are some photos from Stephanie herself!

New York, NY – May 6

At Church Street School for Music and Art, Christina Placilla brought together a great mix of players: four violinists, three flutists, a pianist, and two violists. They read through Bach cantatas, Dvořák trios, and Quantz trios—so much great music in one session! Things were so active, they didn’t snap any photos this time, but they shared a few from last month’s gathering instead.

Cumming, GA – May 10

Nancy Mack put together a fantastic Play-In at the Hawk Music Academy with 25 musicians! The group played Star Wars music, tackled a rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence, and even spread out across 16 rooms to dive into a wide range of music.

Somerville, MA – May 17

Kim Chung of BCCM also held a Play-In. While we don’t have any photos the repertoire played looked super exciting, including Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 4, Amy Beach’s Theme and Variations for Flute and String Quartet, Milhaud’s Sonata for Two Violins and Piano, and Bruch’s Eight Pieces for Clarinet, Viola, and Piano.

Seattle, WA – May 18

In Seattle, Phyllis Kaiden hosted a joyful session and sent along these lovely photos. We love seeing this kind of variety and energy across the map!

Portland, OR – May 24

On the last day of Delgani Quartet Workshop , 50 players joined the quartet in a Play-in!

New York, NY – May 31

Chamber Music Month ended with ACMP pianist Arlene Hajinlian’s annual All 6 Bach Brandenburg Play-In at Broadway Presbyterian Church in New York City. Over 40 people joined forces to play all 6 Brandenburg concerti en masse, under the fearless leadership of conductor Ben Grow. Excitement was in the air – and even more exciting: the event was a fundraiser for Music for Food, a musician-led nonprofit fighting food insecurity across the country. The fabulous and festive musicians raised $1215! All proceeds support the Broadway Community soup kitchen. Save the date for next year’s Brandenburg Fest, on Saturday, May 30, 2026!

Berlin, Germany – April 6, 2025

Always ahead of the game, ACMP’s IAC councilor in Berlin, Michael Knoch, held his 25-person Play-In in early April. You might get some great repertoire ideas for mixed chamber music for winds, strings and piano by reading his detailed report here.

Don’t Miss What’s Next!

Play-Ins are happening all the time—and the energy, creativity, and connection they spark continue to inspire us. Be sure to check the Event Directory for upcoming June sessions happening across the country.

And if you leave near New York City and are feeling really adventurous – try your hand at improvised chamber music is a relaxed and low-pressure environment at ACMP’s Great Indoor Make Music NY Community Play-In on Saturday, June 21! Click here for more info and to register.