Role

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Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Hawthorne 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 1986 by violinist Ronan Lefkowitz and cellist Sato Knudsen, who were later joined by violinist Si-Jing Huang and violist Mark Ludwig. The ensemble's name was inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne, the famous American author who was born in Salem, Massachusetts, where the quartet is based. The quartet's mission is to bring the beauty and complexity of classical music to audiences around the world, while also promoting the work of contemporary composers. The Hawthorne String Quartet has performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Berlin Philharmonic. They have also collaborated with some of the most renowned musicians of our time, such as Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax, and Dawn Upshaw. One of the highlights of the quartet's career was their performance at the White House in 1993, where they played for President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton. The quartet has also been featured on numerous radio and television programs, including NPR's "Performance Today" and PBS's "Great Performances." The quartet has received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career. In 1993, they were awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes outstanding young musicians who have the potential for major careers in classical music. They were also awarded the Chamber Music America Residency Partnership Grant in 1998, which allowed them to work with young musicians in schools and communities across the country. In addition to their performances, the Hawthorne String Quartet is also committed to promoting the work of contemporary composers. They have commissioned and premiered works by some of the most innovative composers of our time, including John Harbison, Joan Tower, and Osvaldo Golijov. The quartet has also recorded extensively, with over a dozen albums to their name. Their recordings have received critical acclaim and have been featured on numerous "best of" lists. Their album "American Originals" was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1999. The members of the Hawthorne String Quartet are all accomplished musicians in their own right. Ronan Lefkowitz, the quartet's founder and first violinist, has performed as a soloist with numerous orchestras and has been a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1980. Sato Knudsen, the quartet's cellist, has performed with the Boston Pops and the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, among others. Si-Jing Huang, the quartet's second violinist, has performed with the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Mark Ludwig, the quartet's violist, is also the founder and executive director of the Terezin Music Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving the music created in the concentration camps during the Holocaust. The Hawthorne String Quartet has had a profound impact on the world of classical music. Their exceptional performances, commitment to contemporary composers, and dedication to education and outreach have made them one of the most respected and beloved ensembles of our time.

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