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Ensemble

 

Del Sol String Quartet is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1992 in San Francisco, California. The quartet is composed of four members: violinists Benjamin Kreith and Rick Shinozaki, violist Charlton Lee, and cellist Kathryn Bates. The group has gained recognition for their innovative programming, which often includes contemporary and world music alongside classical repertoire. The quartet's founding members, violinists Kate Stenberg and Rick Shinozaki, met while studying at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. They formed Del Sol String Quartet with the goal of exploring new and diverse musical styles. The quartet's name, which means "of the sun" in Spanish, reflects their California roots and their desire to bring light and warmth to their music. In the early years of their career, Del Sol String Quartet performed extensively throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, building a reputation for their dynamic and engaging performances. They also began to commission new works from contemporary composers, including Terry Riley, Gabriela Lena Frank, and Chinary Ung. These collaborations helped to establish the quartet as a leading interpreter of contemporary classical music. One of the quartet's early highlights was their performance at the 1996 Olympic Arts Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. They were one of only two chamber ensembles invited to perform at the festival, which featured artists from around the world. The quartet's performance was well-received, and they were praised for their "exquisite musicianship" and "adventurous programming." In 2000, Del Sol String Quartet released their debut album, "Ring of Fire," which featured works by contemporary composers such as Terry Riley, Lou Harrison, and Gabriela Lena Frank. The album received critical acclaim and helped to establish the quartet as a leading interpreter of contemporary classical music. Over the years, Del Sol String Quartet has continued to push the boundaries of classical music, incorporating elements of jazz, world music, and other genres into their performances. They have collaborated with a wide range of artists, including jazz pianist Taylor Eigsti, Indian classical musician Debashish Bhattacharya, and the Kronos Quartet. In 2012, Del Sol String Quartet received the Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, which recognizes ensembles that take risks and push the boundaries of classical music. The quartet was praised for their "innovative programming that reflects a deep commitment to contemporary music and a willingness to take risks." In addition to their performances and recordings, Del Sol String Quartet is also committed to music education. They have conducted workshops and masterclasses for students of all ages, and have worked with organizations such as the San Francisco Symphony's Adventures in Music program and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Today, Del Sol String Quartet continues to be a leading interpreter of contemporary classical music, with a repertoire that spans centuries and genres. They have performed at major venues and festivals around the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

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