Founded in 1944 by internationally acclaimed musical educator Karl Haas, the Chamber Music Society of Detroit began as an informal association of people brought together for the purpose of listening to fine music. In the early days, Haas gave lectures (the forerunners to his internationally syndicated radio programs) at the Detroit Public Library to inform the public about upcoming concerts.

During the late 1960's, the Chamber Music Society of Detroit underwent a change that helped to transform it into the organization that we recognize today. Until that time, Chamber Music Society ensembles were comprised of the first chair musicians of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. A new era for the Chamber Music Society began when the leadership passed from Karl Haas to Zalman Konikow in 1969. From this point forward, the Chamber Music Society of Detroit invited groups from around the globe to perform on its stage - making world-class chamber music accessible to metropolitan Detroit music lovers.

During his 25-year tenure as president, Konikow was also instrumental in recognizing and showcasing the talents of many up-and-coming musicians. Most notable are the Chamber Music Society of Detroit's early presentations of Leonard Bernstein, Yo-Yo Ma, Seiji Ozawa and the Tokyo String Quartet.

Under Konikow's leadership, the Chamber Music Society of Detroit, its Board of Trustees and its supporters also played a crucial role in the preservation and renovation of Detroit's Orchestra Hall. Had it not been for their efforts and financial support, this extraordinary venue might not exist today.

In 1995, Lois R. Beznos became President of the Chamber Music Society of Detroit, after serving as Chair of the Board of Trustees since 1987. As the organization's leader, Beznos had organized the Board into working committees, instituted regular meetings, initiated corporate fund-raising, obtained volunteer legal and financial assistance, and implemented a mission statement and by-laws. As a result, the Board developed a clearly structured, well-defined, adequately funded organization capable of sustaining itself.

In 1993, the Grayling Foundation and Chamber Music America awarded grants to the Chamber Music Society of Detroit, providing, for the first time, financial means to employ staff members. This was a pivotal moment in the history of the Chamber Music Society of Detroit, as the organization had operated solely with the help of volunteers until this time.

Under Beznos' tenure as president, the Chamber Music Society of Detroit has nearly tripled its budget - while developing community collaborations, extending its role at national and international levels, adding professional staff, and instituting comprehensive education programs.

In her first year as President, Beznos instituted a Forum series to present informative lectures and discussions on such subjects as chamber music history, music theory, chamber music performance, and instrument making. Continuing to build upon the Chamber Music Society of Detroit's educational mission, Beznos established a collaboration with the Wayne State University Department of Music in 1995, introducing master classes by renowned musicians performing on the Chamber Music Society of Detroit series.

In 1998, Beznos created the Chamber Music Society of Detroit's ensemble residency program. Unique to the metropolitan Detroit community, this two-week program presents world-class touring quartets which perform on the Chamber Music Society of Detroit series - offering enriched exposure for young people. Over the past several seasons, students from the Detroit Public Schools, Detroit Country Day School, the Cornerstone Schools, Cranbrook Educational Community, the Dearborn, Farmington, Rochester, and Royal Oak Public Schools, Wayne State University and most recently, Children's Hospital of Michigan and University Preparatory Academy in Detroit, have participated. Among the world-class quartets who have participated in this innovative residency program are the Borromeo String Quartet, the Brentano String Quartet, the Miami String Quartet, the Pacifica Quartet (all winners of the prestigious Cleveland Quartet Award) and the Shanghai Quartet. The Claremont Trio, first winner of the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson International Trio Award, will conduct the 2005-2006 Ensemble Residency Program.