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Band

 

 

Chamber

 

The Orpheus String Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences around the world for over three decades. Founded in 1987, the quartet has become known for its innovative and dynamic performances, as well as its commitment to exploring the full range of the string quartet repertoire. The founding members of the Orpheus String Quartet were violinists Daniel Phillips and Todd Phillips, violist Ron Ephrat, and cellist Julian Fifer. All four musicians had previously played together in various chamber music groups, and they came together with the goal of forming a quartet that would prioritize collaboration and experimentation. From the beginning, the Orpheus String Quartet was committed to exploring the full range of the string quartet repertoire, from the classical works of Haydn and Mozart to the contemporary compositions of living composers. The quartet's dedication to new music has led to collaborations with some of the most exciting composers of our time, including John Adams, Osvaldo Golijov, and Kaija Saariaho. Over the years, the Orpheus String Quartet has become known for its innovative and dynamic performances, which often incorporate elements of theater and dance. The quartet's members are all accomplished musicians in their own right, and they bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their performances. One of the highlights of the Orpheus String Quartet's career was their 1994 performance at the White House for President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton. The quartet has also performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Berlin Philharmonic. In addition to their performances, the Orpheus String Quartet has also been recognized for their recordings. The quartet has released over 20 albums, including a critically acclaimed recording of Beethoven's complete string quartets. The quartet's recordings have won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance in 2001. The Orpheus String Quartet has undergone some changes in membership over the years, but the quartet's commitment to collaboration and experimentation has remained constant. Today, the quartet is made up of violinists James Wilson and Mari Lee, violist Dov Scheindlin, and cellist Jonathan Vinocour. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Orpheus String Quartet has continued to perform and connect with audiences around the world. In 2020, the quartet launched a virtual concert series, which featured performances and interviews with some of the world's leading composers and musicians. Throughout their career, the Orpheus String Quartet has remained committed to pushing the boundaries of the string quartet repertoire and exploring new ways of connecting with audiences. With their innovative performances and dedication to collaboration, the quartet has become one of the most exciting and influential classical music ensembles of our time.

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