Galax Quartet is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2004 in San Francisco, California. The quartet is known for its unique blend of classical and folk music, which has earned them critical acclaim and a loyal following. The founding members of Galax Quartet are Shira Kammen, David Morris, Allison Zelles Lloyd, and Danny Carnahan. Kammen is a renowned violinist and violist who has performed with numerous ensembles, including the Boston Camerata and the King's Noyse. Morris is a cellist who has performed with the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and the American Bach Soloists. Lloyd is a violist who has performed with the San Francisco Symphony and the San Francisco Opera. Carnahan is a multi-instrumentalist who has performed with the Celtic band Wake the Dead and the folk group The Waybacks. The quartet takes its name from the Galax fiddle tradition, which is a style of old-time music that originated in the Appalachian Mountains. The quartet's repertoire includes both classical and folk music, and they often incorporate elements of improvisation into their performances. One of the highlights of Galax Quartet's career was their performance at the 2006 Berkeley Early Music Festival. The festival is one of the largest early music events in the world, and Galax Quartet was invited to perform as part of the festival's "New Ears" series, which showcases innovative and experimental music. The quartet's performance was well-received by both critics and audiences, and it helped to establish them as one of the most exciting and innovative ensembles in the early music world. In 2008, Galax Quartet released their debut album, "Pleasant Grove: Old Time Music on Classical Instruments." The album features a mix of traditional Appalachian tunes and classical pieces, and it received widespread critical acclaim. The quartet's unique blend of classical and folk music was praised for its originality and creativity, and the album helped to establish them as one of the most exciting and innovative ensembles in the classical music world. In 2010, Galax Quartet was awarded a grant from the San Francisco Friends of Chamber Music to commission a new work by composer and mandolinist Mike Marshall. The resulting piece, "The Big Picture," was premiered by Galax Quartet and Marshall at the 2011 Berkeley Festival and Exhibition. The piece was praised for its innovative blend of classical and folk music, and it helped to establish Galax Quartet as one of the most exciting and innovative ensembles in the contemporary classical music world. In addition to their performances and recordings, Galax Quartet is also known for their educational outreach programs. The quartet has worked with numerous schools and community organizations to introduce young people to classical and folk music, and they have been praised for their engaging and interactive approach to music education. Overall, Galax Quartet is a unique and innovative ensemble that has earned critical acclaim and a loyal following for their blend of classical and folk music. With their engaging performances, creative programming, and commitment to music education, they are sure to continue to be a major force in the classical music world for years to come.

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