Role

:

Ensemble

 

The Aperto Piano Quartet is a classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their unique sound and style since their founding in 1995. The quartet is made up of four talented musicians who have dedicated their lives to the art of classical music: pianist Rieko Aizawa, violinist Jesse Mills, violist Hsin-Yun Huang, and cellist Nicholas Canellakis. The Aperto Piano Quartet was founded in New York City by Rieko Aizawa and Jesse Mills, who were both students at the Juilliard School at the time. The two musicians had a shared passion for chamber music and decided to form a quartet with the goal of exploring the rich repertoire of piano quartets. They were soon joined by Hsin-Yun Huang, who was also a student at Juilliard, and Nicholas Canellakis, who was a student at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. The quartet quickly gained recognition for their exceptional musicianship and unique sound, which was characterized by their ability to blend the sound of the piano with the strings in a way that was both powerful and delicate. They also became known for their innovative programming, which often featured lesser-known works alongside more familiar pieces. One of the highlights of the Aperto Piano Quartet's early career was their performance at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center's "Great Day in New York" festival in 1997. The festival celebrated the 50th anniversary of the famous photo of 57 jazz musicians gathered on a stoop in Harlem, and the Aperto Piano Quartet was one of the few classical ensembles invited to perform. Their performance was a huge success, and they were praised for their ability to capture the spirit of the festival while still staying true to their classical roots. Over the years, the Aperto Piano Quartet has continued to perform at major venues and festivals around the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Ravinia Festival, and the Edinburgh Festival. They have also collaborated with some of the world's most renowned musicians, including pianist Menahem Pressler, violinist Midori, and cellist David Finckel. One of the quartet's most memorable performances was their 2010 concert at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, where they performed a program of works by Mozart, Brahms, and Dvorak. The concert was recorded and released as a live album, which received critical acclaim and helped to further establish the quartet's reputation as one of the leading ensembles in the world of classical music. In addition to their performances, the Aperto Piano Quartet has also been recognized for their recordings. Their debut album, which featured works by Schumann and Brahms, was released in 2005 and received rave reviews. They have since released several more albums, including a recording of works by Mozart and a collaboration with the Dover Quartet. The Aperto Piano Quartet has also been the recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout their career. In 2003, they were awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which is given to outstanding young musicians who show exceptional talent and promise. They have also been awarded the Chamber Music America Residency Partnership Grant and the CMA/WQXR Record Award. Despite their many accomplishments, the members of the Aperto Piano Quartet remain dedicated to their craft and continue to push the boundaries of classical music.

More....