Alice Tully Hall, with a seating capacity of 1,096, became a reality thanks to the generosity of Miss Alice Tully, a devoted chamber music benefactor and patron of the arts. Alice Tully Hall continues to serve as one of the world's most treasured music venues.

Alice Tully Hall was designed specifically as the home of the Chamber Music Society. Exceptional acoustics and comfort make it well-suited to more intimate works. It is also used by other Lincoln Center constituencies, notably for some performances by Jazz at Lincoln Center

There might be no Chamber Music Society as we know it but for the effort spearheaded by Alice Tully, William Schuman and Charles Wadsworth - because every note played by The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center bears their unique and lasting stamp. Collectively and individually they contributed immeasurably to the cultural life of the United States. 

The magnitude and diversity of chamber music demanded an institution devoted solely to its repertoire, and as President of Lincoln Center, William Schuman determined that chamber music should be housed - in a hall designed specifically for it - along with dance, orchestral music, theater, opera and film at America's preeminent artistic base. Dr. Schuman invited the eminent pianist, chamber musician and accompanist, Charles Wadsworth, to help determine the structure of the new chamber music constituent. They decided on a unique format in which chamber works of every size and description would be presented by highly esteemed performers, including a core of Artist Members to be augmented each season by Guest Artists. 

This institution would also encourage and commission the creation of new works. The founding triumvirate was made complete with the arrival of Alice Tully, a former opera singer and vocal recitalist who agreed to help finance a chamber music hall on condition that it have exemplary acoustics and comfort. The Chamber Music Society's inaugural concert on September 11, 1969 marked the opening of its home, Alice Tully Hall. Mr. Wadsworth served as the Chamber Music Society's first Artistic Director from 1969 to 1989, and Miss Tully served as the Chairman of the Board from 1969 to 1989.