Role

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Ensemble

Genre

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Chamber

 

The Pro Arte Quartet of the University of Wisconsin is one of the most renowned and respected classical music ensembles in the world. Founded in 1911, the quartet has a rich history of excellence in performance, recording, and education. The Pro Arte Quartet was originally formed in Brussels, Belgium, by four young musicians who were studying at the Brussels Conservatory. The original members were Alphonse Onnou (violin), Laurent Halleux (violin), Germain Prévost (viola), and Robert Maas (cello). The quartet quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional musicianship and innovative programming, and they soon became one of the most sought-after chamber ensembles in Europe. In 1914, the Pro Arte Quartet was invited to perform at the Wisconsin State Fair in Milwaukee. While they were in the United States, World War I broke out, and the quartet was unable to return to Europe. They decided to stay in the United States and began touring the country, performing in major cities and at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall. In 1938, the Pro Arte Quartet became the first quartet-in-residence at a university in the United States when they were invited to join the faculty of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The quartet has been based at the university ever since, and they have played a vital role in the university's music program. Over the years, the Pro Arte Quartet has undergone several personnel changes. The current members are David Perry (violin), Suzanne Beia (violin), Sally Chisholm (viola), and Parry Karp (cello). Despite these changes, the quartet has maintained its commitment to excellence in performance and education. The Pro Arte Quartet has performed at many of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. They have also toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. One of the highlights of the Pro Arte Quartet's career was their performance at the White House in 1979. They were invited to perform for President Jimmy Carter and his guests, and their performance was broadcast on national television. The Pro Arte Quartet has also been recognized for their exceptional recordings. They have recorded over 200 works, including the complete string quartets of Beethoven, Mozart, and Bartók. Their recordings have received numerous awards, including a Grammy nomination for their recording of the complete string quartets of Dvořák. In addition to their performance and recording activities, the Pro Arte Quartet has also been committed to education. They have mentored countless young musicians over the years, and they have been instrumental in the development of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's music program. The Pro Arte Quartet has received many awards and honors over the years. In 2000, they were awarded the National Medal of Arts, the highest honor given to artists by the United States government. They have also been inducted into the Wisconsin Library Hall of Fame and the Wisconsin Performing Arts Hall of Fame. In conclusion, the Pro Arte Quartet of the University of Wisconsin is a truly exceptional ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Their commitment to excellence in performance, recording, and education has earned them a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest chamber ensembles in the world.

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