Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Artaria Quartet is a classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their performances for over three decades. The quartet was founded in 1986 in St. Paul, Minnesota, by four musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. The founding members were violinists Ray Shows and Nancy Oliveros, violist Tony Ross, and cellist Rebecca Albers. The quartet's name, Artaria, is derived from the name of a music publishing company that was founded in Vienna in the late 18th century. The company was known for publishing the works of Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven, among others. The Artaria Quartet chose this name as a tribute to the great composers of the classical era. The Artaria Quartet has undergone some changes in its membership over the years. In 1994, violist Rebecca Albers left the quartet and was replaced by Annalee Wolf. In 2006, violinist Ray Shows retired from the quartet and was replaced by former Minnesota Orchestra concertmaster, Steven Copes. The current members of the Artaria Quartet are Nancy Oliveros and Steven Copes on violin, Annalee Wolf on viola, and cellist Tom Rosenberg. The Artaria Quartet has performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe, and has received critical acclaim for their performances. They have been praised for their technical precision, musical sensitivity, and their ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music they play. One of the highlights of the Artaria Quartet's career was their performance at the White House in 1993. They were invited to perform for President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton, as well as a group of distinguished guests. The quartet played a program of classical music, including works by Mozart and Beethoven. The Artaria Quartet has also been recognized for their recordings. They have released several albums, including a recording of the complete string quartets of Beethoven, which was praised by critics for its musicality and technical excellence. The quartet has also recorded works by Mozart, Haydn, and Schubert, among others. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Artaria Quartet is also committed to music education. They have conducted masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and have served as artists-in-residence at several universities and music festivals. The Artaria Quartet has received numerous awards and honors throughout their career. In 1991, they were awarded the McKnight Fellowship for Performing Musicians, which recognizes outstanding musicians in Minnesota. They were also awarded the prestigious Cleveland Quartet Award in 1996, which is given to young string quartets that show exceptional promise. The Artaria Quartet has also been recognized for their contributions to the arts in their home state of Minnesota. In 2006, they were awarded the Sally Award for Arts and Humanities, which recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the arts in Minnesota. In conclusion, the Artaria Quartet is a classical music ensemble that has made a significant impact on the world of chamber music. Their technical excellence, musical sensitivity, and commitment to music education have earned them critical acclaim and numerous awards. They continue to inspire audiences with their performances and recordings, and their legacy as one of the great string quartets of our time is secure.

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