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 | 2024-25
Concert Lectures begin at 7 P.M.

Monday, October 14, 7 P.M.
“Rise of a Giant: Beethoven’s Op. 59 No. 2”

What makes Beethoven so great? His unique instinct for musical energy, rhythm, dramatic silences, and beautiful moments, combined with superb craftsmanship and design all contribute to the impact his music has on listeners today. Spend an evening with the Arianna String Quartet as they take you behind the scenes with one of his most dynamic and exciting works, his String Quartet Op. 59 No. 2, and discover why so many people feel that Beethoven touches our humanity more deeply than any other composer. 

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 4, 7:00 PM
“In Tune with Science”,
with Hernando Garcia, SIUE Professor of Physics

Every musician is challenged to play “in tune”, but what does that actually mean? The interaction of notes that comprise a beautiful string quartet can be understood scientifically as well as musically. On Monday, November 4th, the Arianna String Quartet and SIUE Professor of Physics, Dr. Hernando Garcia, will lift the veil on this musical mystery in a fascinating conversation about how the science of sound leads to music’s most profound expressions.

That’s Monday, November 4th at 7 PM, in the Community Room at KWMU in Grand Center.

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Monday, December 2, 7:00 PM
“Music by the Numbers”
with Dr. Pamela Stuerke, UMSL Professor of Accounting

Musical notation can be seen as a system of preserving and conveying information that cannot easily be communicated through words. Accounting can be seen in exactly the same way. Both Music and Accounting use an intricate symbolic language to express valuable and meaningful content to individuals and our society as a whole. Fellow musician and UMSL Professor of Accounting Pamela Stuerke joins the Arianna String Quartet on Monday December 2nd at 7 PM, in the Community Room at KWMU for an intriguing discussion that will reveal structures and concepts behind both music and accounting that express essential elements of our lives today.

Please join us!
Monday December 2nd at 7 PM, in the Community Room at KWMU in Grand Center.

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Monday, March 3, 7:00 PM
“The Kreutzer Sonata”, 
with Dr. Nicole Svobodny,
Washington University Russian Literature specialist

Beethoven’s famous “Kreutzer Sonata” figures prominently in a story by Tolstoy. The Czech composer Leos Janacek later wrote a String Quartet based on Tolstoy’s novella. The interplay between these creative geniuses has created a fascinating artistic conversation that goes from music to literature and back again, exploring concepts of love, jealousy, murder, and remorse. For this evening’s discussion and performance, the Arianna String Quartet will be joined by Washington University Russian Literature specialist Nicole Svobodny to delve more deeply into Tolstoy’s work and then to see how Janacek’s vivid retelling actually expresses different aspects of the same drama, painting a more complex picture of the characters’ relationships.

Monday, March 3rd at 7 PM, in the Community Room at KWMU.

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

The members of the Arianna Quartet once again 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! Join us for a great evening on Monday, April 7th at 7 PM in the Community Room of KWMU at Grand Center.

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Monday, May 5, 7:00PM
”Art of the Brew 5!”
Schlafly Tap Room,
with Lead Brewer, Jared Williamson

Join the Arianna String Quartet and Lead Brewer Jared Williamson for the fifth annual “Art of the Brew”, Monday May 5th 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! That’s Monday May 5th  at 7 PM at the Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust Street, in St. Louis, presented by KWMU.

ASQ Full Schedule