Classical KING brings world-class chamber music to the airwaves with the Seattle Chamber Music Society Summer Festival while highlighting unique outdoor concerts, free community performances, and unforgettable musical experiences across the Pacific Northwest.

---

Broadcast Concerts

Seattle Chamber Music Society: Summer Festival 2026

The world’s largest chamber music party returns as Classical KING broadcasts Seattle Chamber Music Society’s 2026 Summer Festival. Marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, this year’s festival highlights composers who have helped shape the American classical voice, with each program featuring a work meaningfully connected to the U.S. Tune in for world-class chamber music throughout the festival!

Tuesday, July 21 | 7:30pm
#7: Shostakovich, Walker, Brahms
Host: Sean MacLean
Intermission Interview: Michelle Maestas Simonsen with pianist Jon Kimura Parker 

Friday, July 24 | 7:30pm
#8: Piazzolla, Adams, Schubert 
Host: Sean MacLean 
Intermission Interview: Dave Beck with violinist Karen Gomyo

Sunday, July 26 | 2pm
#9: Shostakovich, Grieg, Copland
Host: Sean MacLean
Intermission Interview: Dave Beck with pianist George Li

---

Northwest Focus Concert Calendar  

Find local concerts in your community at: https://classicalking.org/nw-focus-concert-calendar  

Summer Organ Concert: Christopher Stroh

Tuesday, July 21 | 7pm | St. James Cathedral, Seattle

Enjoy an evening of American organ music as St. James Cathedral Assistant Director of Music and Organist Christopher Stroh presents a program featuring works by U.S.-born and naturalized American composers. Following the hour-long recital, audiences are invited to meet the artist and enjoy a complimentary summertime reception in the cathedral courtyard.

Listen Live at Lunch: Rose Beattie, Evan Minsk & Jinshil Yi

Wednesday, July 22 | 12pm | First Lutheran Church Tacoma, Tacoma

Take a midday musical break with Tacoma’s Listen Live at Lunch series as mezzo-soprano Rose Beattie, French horn player Evan Minsk, and pianist Jinshil Yi present a free hour-long performance. Held at First Lutheran Church Tacoma, this weekly concert series brings live classical music and exceptional local artists to the community every Wednesday at noon.

Phinney Ridge Steel Band at the Ballard Locks

Wednesday, July 22 | 12pm | Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks), Seattle

Enjoy a free outdoor performance as the Phinney Ridge Steel Band brings Caribbean-inspired rhythms to the Ballard Locks. Presented by the Friends of the Ballard Locks as part of the Free Summer Concert Series, this family-friendly concert pairs lively steel pan music with one of Seattle’s most scenic summer destinations.

IN A LANDSCAPE: Classical Music in the Wild

Wednesday, July 22 | 6pm | Golden Gardens Park, Seattle

Experience classical music in a unique outdoor setting as pianist Hunter Noack brings IN A LANDSCAPE: Classical Music in the Wild to Golden Gardens Park. Featuring a 9-foot Steinway grand piano and wireless headphones, the performance invites audiences to wander, relax, and enjoy live music surrounded by Seattle’s waterfront scenery. Blending world-class piano performance with the natural landscape, this one-of-a-kind concert reimagines the traditional concert hall.

Bach to the Future

Saturday, July 25 | 10am–5pm | Beacon Hill & Roosevelt Light Rail Stations, Seattle

Classical music pops up in unexpected places as Bach to the Future returns to Seattle’s light rail stations for a day of free live performances. Presented by the Seattle Music Teachers Association, the event transforms Beacon Hill and Roosevelt stations into community concert venues, where musicians of all ages perform works by Bach, Beethoven, and contemporary composers. Whether you’re commuting or making a special trip, discover classical music where you least expect it.

---

The Score with Edmund Stone  

Go Outside and Play

Saturday, July 25 | 4pm  

This week join Edmund Stone, creator, host and producer of The Score and Go Outside and Play. It’s summer, a great time to get some sunshine and exercise, and team up for fun. Go fishing with A River Runs Through It, play pickleball with Mother of the Bride, grab a racket and play tennis with King Richard and more. It’s music that will remind you of those golden days of summer, this Saturday on The Score. 

Bang for the Buck

Sunday, July 26 | 4pm  

This week on The Score Edmund Stone takes a look at films that were made with modest or even meagre budgets and yet generated huge box office returns. You may be surprised at some of these – from pop culture classics like Rocky and Star Wars to Indie favorites such as Moonlight, and Get Out. This Sunday on The Score – it’s films with a lot of bang for the buck. 

---

Explore More on ClassicalKING.org 

Looking for details about what you hear online, on our app, or on 98.1 FM? 

Visit our playlist for comprehensive information on every piece and performer. 

Stay inspired and enjoy another week of incredible music on Classical KING!