The Smithsonian Chamber Players and the Smithsonian Chamber Orchestra, directed by Kenneth Slowik, consists of a select group of virtuosi dedicated to exploring the sonic and cultural-historical worlds of the master instruments found in the Collection of Musical Instruments at the Smithsonian.

The Smithsonian Chamber Orchestra and the Smithsonian Chamber Players remain in the vanguard of groups specializing in historically oriented performances. Comprised of accomplished musicians who share an expertise in and deep involvement with the music, instruments, and performance practices, the orchestra has been an integral part of the Smithsonian Institution's pioneering role in the exploration of the rich cultural heritage of American music-making. With numerous best-selling records -- covering repertoire from Bach, Marais, and Corelli through Schönberg, Mahler, and Samuel Barber -- to its credit, the Smithsonian Chamber Orchestra enjoys a broad audience based on its concert tours and regular nationwide radio broadcasts, and fills a core function in the Smithsonian Chamber Music Programs, the largest museum-residency period-instrument program in the world.

Discography for the Smithsonian Chamber Players / Smithsonian Chamber Orchestra:

• J.S. Bach, St. John Passion; Smithsonian Collection of Recordings ND0381
• Boccherini, String Quintets, Op. 11, Nos. 4-6; BMG/deutsche harmonia mundi RD77159
• Corelli, The Twelve Trio Sonatas of Op. 3; Smithsonian Collection of Recordings ND 035
• François Couperin, Concerts Royaux; BMG/deutsche harmonia mundi 05472-77327-2
• Friederich Dotzauer, Quintet, Op. 134; Sechs Stücke, Op. 104; SONY Vivarte SK 64307
• Auguste Franchomme, Chamber Music; SONY Vivarte SK 53980
• Marin Marais, Pièces à deux violes (1686); BMG/deutsche harmonia mundi 77146-2-RC
• Mendelssohn, Octet (with Neils Gade Octet); SONY Vivarte SK 48307
• George Onslow, Quintets, Opp. 38, 39, & 40; SONY Vivarte SK 64308
• Schubert, Quintet in C Major, D956; SONY Vivarte SK 46669
• Adrien-François Servais, Souvenirs and Caprices; EMI CDC 7-49009-2
• Schönberg, Verklärte Nacht; Mahler Adagietto; Beethoven/Mahler Quartetto Serioso; BMG/deutsche harmonia mundi 05472-77374-2
• Louis Spohr, Sextet, Op. 140; Octet, Op. 65; SONY Vivarte SK 53307
• Richard Strauss, Metamorphosen; Elgar Serenade and Elegy: Barber Adagio for Strings; BMG/deutsche harmonia mundi 05472-77343-2