04/30/2026
Dear Community Members,
It is with a profound sense of gratitude that we close our 25/26 season and my chapter of service as Executive Director of the Dallas Chamber Music Society.
Over the past four and a half seasons, it has been a privilege to serve this remarkable organization and help steward a period of meaningful growth. Together, we have expanded our reach through initiatives such as the VanSickle Family Foundation House Concert Series, strengthened our artistic identity, and deepened our connection to the community. At the heart of this work has always been a shared commitment to artistic excellence and meaningful musical experiences.
I am especially proud of the unforgettable performances that have defined these seasons - moments of artistry that will linger long in memory. These concerts have not only celebrated chamber music at its highest level, but have also reflected the passion, dedication and collaboration that make this organization so distinctive.
This work has never been solitary. It has been sustained by the vision and dedication of our board, the generosity of our supporters, and the trust of a community that continues to gather in the shared experience of music. Your belief in our mission has been both sustaining and inspiring, and I am deeply grateful.
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As my role comes to a close, I leave you with a simple charge: to listen - truly listen. At its core, chamber music asks this of us. In the intimacy of this medium, each voice matters, each gesture is heard and each silence carries weight. It invites us into a shared space of attention and empathy where differences in background, perspective or experience fall away in service of something larger than ourselves. In a time when such listening can feel increasingly rare, this art form offers a quiet but profound reminder of our capacity to connect. Its relevance, I believe, has never been more vital.
As I have often said, there is something quite symbolic in the way chamber musicians gather on stage, often in a semicircle. It is the audience that completes that circle, connecting a circuit through which meaningful experience flows. Without your commitment to our organization, the exchange is incomplete. I encourage you to remain part of that circle and to carry forward DCMS’s mission of making North Texas an international center for chamber music.
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My admiration for this institution, and my confidence in its future, remain unwavering. The Dallas Chamber Music Society will continue to flourish, guided by the same passion and purpose that have shaped it thus far. It has been an honor to contribute to this chapter of its story.
Until we meet again - Viva la musica!
With heartfelt thanks,
John A. Batchelder
