The Museum of Making Music presents an evening comparing two string worlds: the traditional quartet sound (violin, viola, cello, and bass) alongside the remarkable octet of eight scaled violins designed by acoustician and visionary Carleen Hutchins.
Hutchins was a groundbreaking scientist, instrument designer, and acoustician whose work transformed our understanding of stringed instruments. She remains the only woman to receive the highest honor awarded by the Acoustical Society of America, an accolade shared by Thomas Edison, recognizing contributions that fundamentally changed the field.
This special program will be presented by The Hutchins Consort, the only ensemble in the world dedicated exclusively to performing on the complete family of Hutchins-designed instruments. Hearing these instruments together reveals an astonishingly balanced, resonant, and unified string sound—both familiar and completely new.
More details, including ticketing and program highlights, will be shared soon. For now, mark your calendar for this rare opportunity to experience one of the most fascinating intersections of music, science, and instrument innovation—brought vividly to life.

