Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

The Manhattan String Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over three decades. The quartet was founded in 1985 by violinist Eric Lewis and cellist Judith Glyde, who were later joined by violinist John Dexter and violist Kenneth Cooper. The ensemble has since become one of the most respected and sought-after string quartets in the world. The Manhattan String Quartet has been praised for their technical precision, musical sensitivity, and innovative programming. They have performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls around the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. The quartet has also collaborated with some of the most celebrated musicians of our time, including pianist Menahem Pressler, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and violinist Itzhak Perlman. The quartet's founding members, Eric Lewis and Judith Glyde, met while studying at the Juilliard School in New York City. They quickly discovered a shared passion for chamber music and decided to form a quartet. They were soon joined by John Dexter, who had previously played with the Cleveland Orchestra, and Kenneth Cooper, a renowned harpsichordist and conductor. The Manhattan String Quartet's first major performance was at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. in 1986. The quartet received critical acclaim for their performance of Beethoven's String Quartet No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 131. This performance marked the beginning of a long and successful career for the ensemble. Over the years, the Manhattan String Quartet has performed a wide range of repertoire, from the classical works of Haydn and Mozart to the contemporary compositions of Philip Glass and John Adams. They have also been known for their innovative programming, which often includes lesser-known works and world premieres. One of the quartet's most notable performances was their 1991 concert at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York City. The concert was part of a celebration of the 200th anniversary of Mozart's death and was attended by dignitaries from around the world. The quartet performed Mozart's String Quartet No. 19 in C major, K. 465, also known as the "Dissonance" quartet, which was met with a standing ovation. The Manhattan String Quartet has also been recognized for their recordings. They have released over 20 albums, including a complete cycle of Beethoven's string quartets, which was praised for its "clarity, precision, and emotional depth" by The New York Times. The quartet has also recorded works by Schubert, Brahms, and Bartók, among others. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Manhattan String Quartet has also been dedicated to music education. They have conducted masterclasses and workshops at universities and music schools around the world, including the Juilliard School, the Eastman School of Music, and the Royal Academy of Music in London. The Manhattan String Quartet has received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career. They were the first ensemble to win the Naumburg Chamber Music Award twice, in 1989 and 1993. They were also awarded the Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming in 1995 and the ASCAP/CMA Award for Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music in 2000. In 2015, the Manhattan String Quartet celebrated their 30th anniversary with a concert at Carnegie Hall.

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