Friction Quartet is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2011 in San Francisco, California. The quartet consists of four members: Kevin Rogers (violin), Otis Harriel (violin), Taija Warbelow (viola), and Doug Machiz (cello). The founding members of Friction Quartet met while studying at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. They were drawn together by their shared passion for contemporary classical music and their desire to explore new sounds and techniques. The quartet takes its name from the idea of "friction" as a force that can create energy and movement in music. Since its founding, Friction Quartet has become known for its innovative programming and dynamic performances. The quartet has commissioned and premiered works by a number of contemporary composers, including Dan Becker, Ken Ueno, and Gabriella Smith. They have also collaborated with a variety of artists, including the Del Sol String Quartet, the San Francisco Girls Chorus, and the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players. Friction Quartet has performed at a number of prestigious venues and festivals, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the San Francisco Symphony's SoundBox series. They have also been featured on NPR's "Performance Today" and have won numerous awards and competitions. One of Friction Quartet's most notable performances was their appearance at the 2012 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, where they won the Grand Prize and the Gold Medal in the Senior String Division. This was a significant achievement for the quartet, as the Fischoff Competition is one of the most prestigious chamber music competitions in the world. In addition to their success at the Fischoff Competition, Friction Quartet has also won a number of other awards and competitions. They were the winners of the 2012 Frances Walton Competition, the 2012 Berkeley Piano Club Competition, and the 2011 Plowman Chamber Music Competition. They were also finalists in the 2013 Concert Artists Guild Competition. Friction Quartet's repertoire is diverse and eclectic, ranging from classical works by Beethoven and Mozart to contemporary pieces by John Adams and Philip Glass. They are particularly known for their performances of new and experimental music, and have been praised for their ability to bring fresh perspectives to familiar works. Overall, Friction Quartet is a dynamic and innovative ensemble that is pushing the boundaries of classical music. With their passion for new sounds and their commitment to excellence, they are sure to continue making waves in the world of chamber music for years to come.

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