Friday / 11 Oct / 8 pm
guarneri string quartet
EXCLUSIVE CHICAGO APPEARANCE

Haydn Quartet in C Major, Op. 54, No. 2
Viktor Ullman Quartet No. 3, Op. 43
Beethoven Quartet in A Minor, Op. 132

"Has no superior on the world's stages."
-THE NEW YORK TIMES

For more than three decades the Guarneri Quartet was the longest continuing artistic collaboration of any American quartet. After 37 years, David Soyer, the group's original cellist, passed the torch to former pupil and protege, Peter Wiley. Don't miss the chance to hear the ensemble's first appearance in Chicago in its new configuration.

"Relentless talent, imagination, grunts, groans, Beethoven's complete Cello Sonatas, and all played by memory by the astonishing Pieter Wispelwey. His brilliant young accompanist Dejan Lazic made the perfect companion, emanating a comparable personal touch."
-THE SCOTSMAN

Dutchman Pieter Wispelwey is among the great exponents of the cello. Appearing for the first time in Chicago, Wispelwey and Croatian pianist Dejan Lazic offer a rare opportunity to hear the complete cello sonatas of Beethoven in one glorious evening.

"The Prazak plays with the great tonal warmth and beauty of the Guarneri, the huge dynamic range of the Alban Berg and the superb intonation of the old Quartetto Italiano."
-FANFARE

Formed in Prague in 1974, the Prazak is one of today's leading chamber music ensembles. Their sound has been described as "a warmth that recalls the flavor of an old coffeehouse in the Austro-Hungarian empire". The all-Czech program includes the rarely heard Bagatelles by Dvorak, which require the group's violist to make an unusual switch to harmonium.

"And then they start up, the sound so full-blooded, dangerous and raw. Though the velvet touch is not beyond them, they never dispense dainty milk and honey: you are forcefully aware that this is music-making bold and magical."
-THE TIMES OF LONDON

Playing entirely by memory, distinguished violinist Thomas Zehetmair and three of his longstanding chamber music partners burst on the scene in 1997. In just five seasons the quartet has established itself a s one of the leading string quartets in the world today. Known for an innovative approach to programming, they have already recorded two CDs of unusual and rarely heard works for ECM records.

"If there is some of Martha Argerich in Ms. Grimaud's fire-breathing manner, there is also some of Murray Perahia in her underlying finesse."
-THE NEW YORK TIMES

"Emmanuel Pahud is the new flute sensation. He has extraordinary technique, flawless intonation, and uncanny breath control. Most important, he is an insightful and vital musician."
-THE NEW YORK TIMES

Since achieving international prominence as principal flutist of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Emmanuel Pahud has gone on to a hugely active solo career. For his first Chicago appearance he teams up with the fiery young French pianist Helene Grimaud.

"There is no need for cautiously qualified words when it comes to the outstanding artistry of the mezzo-soprano Susan Graham. She is simply the most exciting American singer of her generation."
-THE TIMES OF LONDON

Graced with a seamless and remarkably creamy sound, Susan Graham has emerged as one of the most sought-after singers of our time. She is best known to Chicago audiences for her important work in opera. But Ms. Graham is also utterly at home in the song repertory and now returns to Chicago to make her recital debut, closing the series in grand style.