American String Quartet
and
Ariel String Quartet

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Saturday, January 28, 2012 8:00 PM, Smith Theatre
Pre-concert discussion 7:15pm

Two great quartets combine to perform the Mendelssohn Octet.

Program:

American Quartet: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Quartet No. 17 in B-flat Major, K. 458 "Hunt
American Quartet: Joan Tower: Quartet No. 1, "Night Fields"
Amerian & Ariel Quartets together for: Felix Mendelssohn: Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20

americanstringquartet.com
arielquartet.com

American Photo by Peter Schaaf; Ariel Photo by Susan Wilson

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The American String Quartet was formed over 35 years ago when its original members were students at The Juilliard School. The Quartet was launched by winning both the Coleman Competition and the Naumburg Chamber Music Award in the same year. Now, the American is internationally recognized as one of the world's foremost quartets.

"From this combination of individual brilliance and ensemble perfection, emerges one of the best quartets of our time." — Darmstädter Echo

The Ariel String Quartet, originally from Israel, performs with the intensity and passion of a young quartet, and the conviction and cohesiveness of veterans. The American Record Guide describes the Ariel as "a consummate ensemble gifted with utter musicality and remarkable interpretive power." Dedicated to upholding the grand tradition of world-class string quartet playing, the Quartet feels a deep connection to the staples of string quartet literature, while also understanding the importance of exploring music by living composers.