Join UMSL’s internationally acclaimed Arianna String Quartet for “First Mondays with the ASQ”, at UMSL Grand Center! This one-of-a kind interdisciplinary concert series offers audience members a rare behind the scenes look into the craft and artistry of the string quartet, and an opportunity for informal, direct discussion and interaction with the members of the Arianna String Quartet, as they examine the dynamic process of interpretation, live performance, and connections between classical music and our world.

FIRST MONDAYS | 2023-24
Concert Lectures begin at 7 P.M.

Monday, October 2 - 7 P.M.
“Beethoven’s Last Chapter - Op. 127 and The Late Quartets”

Have you ever wondered why the music of Beethoven is still so impactful after all these years?  Beethoven’s late quartets are considered by many to be among the greatest , most revolutionary pieces of music ever composed.  On Monday, October 2nd, the Arianna String Quartet will present an evening of engaging conversation and compelling performance dedicated to Beethoven’s String Quartet in E-flat Major, Op.127, taking you behind the scenes for an in-depth look at this alluring musical treasure. This evening’s conversation will also reveal aspects of the Arianna Quartet’s teamwork as they make decisions to heighten the expressive power of the pieces they bring to life. 

Whether you are new to classical music or a dedicated fan, this is an evening you won’t want to miss! 

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Monday, November 6, 7:00 PM
“Digging into the Music:
The Art and Science of Archeology and Performance”,
with Dr. Andrew Balkansky

How are classical musicians like archeologists? From the scant dots and lines left to us by composers hundreds of years ago, performers use both knowledge and imagination to construct a compelling emotional world. What is the magic language that connects composers from the past with us today? In music, as in archeology, the study of relics from the past reveals important connections with times long ago, and can tell us a lot about who we are and what we can create in the present.


The Arianna Quartet welcomes special guest UMSL Professor of Archeology Dr. Andrew Balkansky for a fascinating evening that will deepen your understanding of both classical music and archeology! 

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Monday, December 4, 7:00 PM
“Connecting the Dots: New Perspectives into Art and Music”
with Professor Michael Behle

Join the Arianna String Quartet and UMSL Professor of Art, Michael Behle, for a special evening discussing connections between visual art and music. Both musicians and visual artists use words such as line, color, texture, space, consonance, and dissonance. How can accessing an understanding in one medium help us relate to art conceived in another? Whether you are more comfortable with visual art or with music, this evening of casual conversation and compelling performance will broaden your perspectives and deepen your appreciation of both!

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Monday, March 4, 7:00 PM
“From the Boardroom to the Stage:
An Inside Look at the Art of Effective Teamwork”, 
with Dr. Joseph Rottman,
UMSL’s Director of the International Business Institute and
Professor of Information Systems

The ASQ welcomes celebrated business professor and scholar Dr. Joseph Rottman, director of UMSL’s prestigious International Business Institute, for an evening devoted to exploration of the string quartet playing as a model for a high functioning business partnership.  With specific focus on the art of teamwork, communication, individual creativity and deadline management, Dr. Rottman will team up with the ASQ for what is sure to be an insightful and in-depth look in to the delicate balancing act that fuels success and innovation for individuals and companies. 

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Monday, April 1, 7:00 PM
“Drama and Sound”,
with special guest, Dr. Robert Henke,
Washington University Professor of Drama and Comparative Literature

In this fascinating evening of behind-the-scenes insights, the members of the Arianna Quartet team up with Washington University Professor of Drama and Comparative Literature, Robert Henke, for a great conversation about acting, character, storytelling and its relationship to quartet playing. Both actors and musicians bring years of study, technique, and experience to the writings of playwrights and composers in order to bring them to life. Additionally, Rob will bring his own insights as a musician into the conversation!

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Monday, May 6, 7:00PM
Art of the Brew 4!
Schlafly Tap Room,
with Lead Brewer, Jared Williamson

Join the Arianna String Quartet and Lead Brewer Jared Williamson for the fourth annual “Art of the Brew”, Monday May 6th at 7 PM at the Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust Street. The Arianna String Quartet will play chamber music masterpieces, selected specifically to pair with six favorite Schlafly beers, and talk with Schlafly Lead Brewer Jared Williamson about how the ingredients that create great music and great beer are not as different as you might expect. This evening of distinctive Schlafly brews and inspiring string quartets has become a St. Louis spring tradition and an audience favorite! 

Don’t miss this unique evening featuring Schlafly’s celebrated beers paired with the dazzling playing of the ASQ!

ASQ Full Schedule