Chamber Music Monterey Bay

presents

Ensō String Quartet

Performing works by Felix Mendelssohn, Paul Moravec, and Ludwig van Beethoven

8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2018

(7:15 p.m. Pre-Concert Talk with musicologist Kai Christiansen)

Sunset Center, Carmel

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One of its generations most compelling string ensembles, the Grammy-nominated Ensō String Quartet has risen to the front rank of chamber music performers. Founded at Yale University in 1999, the quartet has been described by Strad magazine as “thrilling,” and praised by the Washington Post for its “glorious sonorities.” The quartet quickly went on to win numerous awards, including top prizes at the Concert Artists Guild competition and the Banff International String Quartet Competition. In the words of Classical Voice, it is “one of the eminent string quartets of our era.” The Ensō String Quartet last performed in Carmel during April 2013.

Violinists Susie Park and Ken Hamao, violist Melissa Reardon, and cellist Richard Belcher will present a program which includes Beethoven’s String Quartet, No. 15 in A Minor, op. 132; Mendelssohn’s Quartet in A Minor, op. 13; and Paul Moravec’s Dialogue.

The Ensō’s members are all drawn to the string quartet repertoire because of its richness and diversity, and the ensemble is committed to exploring the four corners of that repertoire. The Ensō regularly performs the classics of the string quartet literature, but also champions lesser-known works that deserve to be heard, along with much contemporary music, including works the Ensō has commissioned. Their concert program for CMMB includes one such new work, Dialogue, commissioned by Music Mountain for the Ensō String Quartet.

Composers Mendelssohn and Moravec allude to Beethoven’s String Quartet, no. 15, op. 132 as having a major influence on their work. We are fortunate to have all three compositions in our program for the audience to enjoy.

“The Ensō String Quartet had its roots at Yale University, when four like-minded students with a love of quartet playing began rehearsing together. Nearly twenty years and several member changes later, this incredibly rich and treasured journey is coming to an end. It has been a difficult decision to reach, but ultimately we all feel it’s the right one. Our love for what we’re doing has not dimmed, nor has any of our deep respect, admiration and appreciation for each of our colleagues. Life has simply grown in too many different directions for us to continue to grow as an ensemble. We will be playing our last concerts together in the summer of 2018.” – posted on Facebook by Ensō String Quartet.

Chamber Music Monterey Bay has arranged for two special events as part of our Visiting Artists Outreach. The Ensō String Quartet will perform for students at Carmel High School and will lead an educational session with Youth Orchestra Salinas while they are in Monterey County.

Learn more about the music on the program by attending Chamber Music Monterey Bay’s popular pre-concert lecture with musicologist Kai Christiansen at 7:15 p.m.

Kids up Front and Free! Students in grades 3-12 receive FREE tickets and $15.00 discounted tickets for their adult companions through Chamber Music Monterey Bay’s education program.

Ticket prices: $33.00 – $52.00; $15.00 for adult students and active military. Tickets are available at ChamberMusicMontereyBay.org or (831) 625-2212. Box office opens at 6:45 p.m. on the day of the concert.

Chamber Music Monterey Bay is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the tradition of live classical chamber music performance and explore the evolution of this art form.

Chamber Music Monterey Bay Presents “The Enso String Quartet” Saturday, April 7, 2018, 8:00 pm		Buy Tickets