Seattle Chamber Music Society Released New Album
The latest SCMS Records project features performances of the Franck Quintet and the Enescu Octet.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Classical
The Seattle Chamber Music Society has released a new recording featuring the Franck Quintet and Enescu Octet. The album was produced at the Nordstrom Recital Hall in Seattle and marks the third release for the organization's independent label.
Why it matters
This release continues the initiative of the Seattle Chamber Music Society to document and share its high-profile performances with a global audience. The label aims to produce three to four albums annually to expand access to its concert programming.
The album features the César Franck Piano Quintet with a duration of 34:20 and the Enescu Octet, which utilizes 8 instruments and spans 37:08. It is the third title issued by the label since its inception.
The players
Seattle Chamber Music Society
This organization produces high-level chamber music concerts and operates its own independent record label.
James Ehnes
He is a world-renowned violinist who performed on this specific recording project.
Naxos Music Group
This entity serves as a major distributor for classical music recordings on a global scale.
Simon Kiln
He is a professional music producer responsible for the technical production of this album.
The details
Produced by Simon Kiln, the album highlights performances by violinist James Ehnes recorded locally at the Nordstrom Recital Hall. Global physical and digital distribution for the project is managed by the Naxos Music Group.
Timeline
1880: The César Franck Piano Quintet premiered.
Early 2026: The SCMS Records label officially launched.
October 2, 2026: The album was officially released.
Industry Dynamics
This release highlights the growing trend of performing arts organizations creating in-house labels to control their intellectual property. By curating the Seattle Chamber Music Society performance archive, the group bypasses traditional gatekeepers to reach international classical listeners.
Listeners can purchase the new album on CD or vinyl through the official website or stream it across major digital platforms. These formats provide global access to recordings that were previously limited to concert hall audiences.
The takeaway
The growth of artist-led record labels allows chamber music organizations to preserve their legacy outside of temporary concert dates. Fans can support these institutions by purchasing recordings directly, which helps fund future concert seasons.
Further reading
Explore more local performances and recordings in our Classical section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Broadway World.
