About Arion Chamber Music

We take our name from a famous (some would say mythical, and with reason) figure in ancient Greek history and mythology. Arion was a 6th Century Greek professional "chamber musician" who is generally credited as being one of the foremost players of the Kithara (an 8-stringed lyre that was the domain of professional musicians of the time). He is described as a Dionysiac poet who invented the dithyramb, an early musical form that was widely adopted in Greek Drama.

Herodotus says "Arion was second to none of the lyre-players in his time and was also the first man we know of to compose and name the dithyramb and teach it in Corinth". Arion found a patron in Periander, tyrant of Corinth. Although notable for his musical inventions, Arion is chiefly remembered for the fantastic myth of his kidnapping by pirates and miraculous rescue by dolphins, as depicted on the 4th Century B.C. coin that we have adapted for our logo.

We can't promise you anything as fantastic as the kidnapping of a chamber player by pirates or their rescue by dolphins, but we will strive to create a delightful musical experience at every concert.

We are a non-profit organization (501c3) dedicated to bringing professional chamber music performances to a venue where you can readily engage with the music, the musicians, and the audience.

Needless to say, donations are much appreciated. Contribute by check made out to Arion Chamber Music mailed to the address below, or online by credit card with Paypal (no need to be a Paypal member ... ignore the login request and look for the "continue" a bit lower down and to the left). Such contributions will be gratefully acknowleged and are tax deductible (Arion is a 501(c)(3) corporation). Our operation is lean: expenses have been approximately 75% artist fees, 20% venue rental, with the remainder used for printing and a modicum of publicity; there are no administrative costs.

If you shop at Amazon, consider using the URL smile.amazon.com and choose Arion Chamber Music as a supported charity. A small donation from Amazon to Arion will be generated when you make your purchases; or click the link Amazon to establish the association of your account with Arion (and perhaps to shop as well).