2016-17 Repertoire
“Perfect Storm”
Sept. 9, 2016
Mendelssohn: String Quartet in A minor, Op.13
Philip Glass: String Quartet No.3 “Mishima”
Beethoven: String Quintet in C Major, Op.29 “Storm”
with Richard Young, viola
The ASQ embarks on its 25th season with one of their favorites, Felix Mendelsohn’s cherished Op.13 string quartet, a work that balances turbulent brilliance with an inner fragility, unique to Mendelssohn, and beloved by audiences. Philip Glass’ stirring String Quartet No.3, which served as the tonal backdrop for the 1985 film “Mishima”, follows, capturing Glass’ iconic purity of expression and signature sound driving the compelling story of a life in turmoil. The Arianna Quartet then welcomes world-renowned violist Richard Young for a performance of Beethoven’s sizzling String Quintet Op.29, the “Storm”, an early work that offers a fresh glimpse into the dynamic power of the great composer, and rousing finish to the season opener.
“Russian Melodiya”
Nov. 4, 2016
Prokofiev No.2
Tchaikovsky No.2
Nikolai Medtner: Piano Quintet in C Major, Op. posth.
with Alla Voskoboynikova, piano
The Arianna Quartet opens their second concert with Prokofiev’s revolutionary style, in his Quartet No.2, a mid-20th century masterpiece that is fueled by Russian folk music and instrumental traditions, and a gem of the quartet repertoire. Tchaikovsky’s sublime Quartet No.2 follows, capturing the splendor of the Russian romantic sound, combined with the innovative brilliance of Tchaikovsky, in a work the composer called “his very best”. The ASQ is then joined by their esteemed colleague, celebrated pianist Alla Voskoboynikova, for a performance of the seldom heard Piano Quintet of Nikolai Medtner, giving audiences an opportunity to know one of Russia’s most revered composers, and a work that is sure to inspire and delight.
“An Evening with Brahms: The Complete Quartets”
March 3, 2017
Quartet in C minor, Op. 51, No.1
Quartet in A minor, Op.51, No.2
Quartet in B-flat Major, Op.67
For performers and audiences alike, the works of Johannes Brahms stand as some of the most cherished music of all time. In an evening that can only be described as a one-of-a-kind concert experience (and a St. Louis first!), the Arianna String Quartet offers all three of Brahms’ celebrated string quartets, back to back! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hear three of the most riveting and monumental works in classical music history, all together, in one night!
“Masterworks”
May 5, 2017
Haydn: Quartet in A Major, Op. 20, No. 6
Bartok: Quartet No. 4
Dvorak Piano Quintet in A Major, Op.81
with Sofya Gulyak, piano
The ASQ closes out their 2016-17 St. Louis series with a gathering of masterpieces by three of the giants of the chamber music repertoire. The evening begins with Franz Joseph Haydn, the father of the string quartet, in his groundbreaking Quartet in A Major, Op.20 No.6, a work in which style and idea combine with clarity of expression to create one of the cornerstone works of string quartet writing. The ASQ follows with Bela Bartok’s scintillating Quartet No.4, a work inspired by Hungarian folk music and propelled by Bartok’s profound genius, and one of the true marvels in compositional and expressive achievement of the 20th century. In their finale to the season, the Arianna Quartet welcomes acclaimed Russian pianist Sofya Gulyak to the Touhill for a performance of Antonin Dvorak’s ever-popular Piano Quintet, Op.81, a work of expansive beauty and poetic lyricism; the perfect way to close out another memorable season of concerts with the ASQ at the Touhill Performing Arts Center.