Charles Wadsworth, Visionary Pianist and Chamber Music Advocate, Passes Away at 96

Charles Wadsworth, a distinguished pianist renowned for his Southern charm and dedication to chamber music, passed away at the age of 96 on Thursday at a rehabilitation center on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

His wife, Susan, confirmed his passing.

For two decades, Wadsworth served as the charismatic director of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, frequently seen on stage at Alice Tully Hall greeting audiences with a warm smile, tousled blond hair, and a lively presence, offering approachable introductions to the performances.

Reflecting on his approach in a 2014 interview, Wadsworth noted, “I quickly realized that laughter helps people relax. Whether attending a chamber concert for the first time or unfamiliar with the repertoire, if I could ease their nerves, they would be more open to experiencing the music without the pressure of understanding every detail. That approach proved very effective.”

Wadsworth was also an active performer within the society, showcasing his skills on piano, harpsichord, and organ across both well-known works and more obscure pieces he uncovered while curating programs—such as Anton Arensky’s Suite No. 1 for Two Pianos, François Couperin’s “Le Parnasse, ou L’Apothéose de Corelli,” and Jan Zelenka’s Trio Sonata for Two Oboes, Bassoon, and Continuo. Recognizing the exceptional talents of his fellow pianists, he often deferred to them during performances.

Wadsworth’s most significant contributions were behind the scenes, notably founding the Chamber Music Society itself. The organization was designed to explore the full spectrum of chamber music repertoire, regardless of the instrumental or vocal combinations involved. He established a dedicated core of “artist members”—string, wind, and keyboard musicians with active performing careers committed to the society’s season—while also inviting guest artists to broaden the instrumental possibilities and add distinguished names to the lineup.