Our Story
The Omaha Chamber Music Society was founded in 2000 by a dedicated group of professional musicians with a mission to enrich the Omaha community through the power of music. By presenting full-length, low-cost chamber music performances, OCMS aims to reach underserved audiences and foster a love for the arts. The journey began with the inaugural Summer Concert Series in 2001, held in partnership with Trinity Cathedral, offering free 'Music at Midday' concerts to the public.
Over the years, OCMS has expanded its reach and impact, establishing collaborations with various community organizations, including Saint Margaret Mary Church and the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Music as Medicine series. The Summer Concert Series found a new home at First Central Congregational Church in 2012, coinciding with the revitalization of the Midtown Crossing area, leading to record attendance in subsequent years.
In 2015, OCMS launched Eko Nova in collaboration with KANEKO, a series dedicated to showcasing innovative new music in a modern setting. This initiative has introduced Omaha audiences to groundbreaking works and virtuosic performances from both local and national artists, appealing to a diverse crowd of music lovers.
OCMS is also committed to community outreach, with active programs at The Hospice House – The Josie Harper Residence and educational initiatives in local schools. Through chamber music clinics and collaborations with institutions like The Joslyn Museum and Fontanelle Forest, OCMS continues to inspire and educate the next generation of musicians.