University at Buffalo - The State University of New York

The American String Quartet is the first of three visiting quartets presenting a pair of concerts in this year’s Slee/Beethoven String Quartet Cycle.

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By PHIL REHARD

Published: Nov. 8, 2012

The Department of Music will open the 2012-13 Slee/Beethoven String Quartet Cycle with concerts by the American String Quartet on Nov. 9 and Nov. 10.

Both concerts will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Lippes Concert Hall in Slee Hall, North Campus.

The American String Quartet is the first of three visiting quartets presenting a pair of concerts in this year’s cycle, as well as a master class that is free and open to the public. Also scheduled to perform are the Jupiter String quartet on Feb. 22 and Feb. 24, and the Bergonzi String Quartet on April 4 and April 5

The American String Quartet’s master class will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 10 in Baird Recital Hall, 250 Baird Hall, North Campus.

Its program for the Nov. 9 concert consists of “Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 127”; “Quartet in F Major, Op. 18, No. 1”; and “Quartet in C Major, Op. 59, No. 3.”

On Nov. 10, the quartet will perform “Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 74 (“Harp”); “Quartet in G Major, Op. 18, No. 2”; and “Quartet in C-sharp minor, Op. 131.”

Critically acclaimed for its presentations of the complete quartets of Beethoven, Schubert, Schoenberg, Bartok and Mozart, the American String Quartet also champions contemporary music. The quartet, featuring Peter Winograd and Laurie Carney, violin; Daniel Avshalomov, viola; and Wolfram Koessel, cello, has commissioned and premiered works by distinguished composers Claus Adam, Richard Danielpour, Kenneth Fuchs, Tobias Picker and George Tsontakis.

Its innovative programming and creative approach to education has resulted in notable residencies throughout the country. It continues as quartet in residence at the Manhattan School of Music (since 1984) and the Aspen Music Festival (since 1974).

Formed in 1974 when its original members were students at The Juilliard School, the American String Quartet won both the Coleman Competition and the Naumburg Chamber Music Award in the same year.

Advance tickets for the quartet’s Nov. 9 and Nov. 10 concerts are $12 for the general public; $9 for UB faculty, staff, alumni and senior citizens; and $5 for students. At the door, tickets are $20, $15 and $8. Tickets can be purchased at the Slee Hall box office, at the Center for the Arts box office and at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Ticketmaster.com.