Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

United States of America

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Smithson String Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over three decades. The quartet was founded in 1989 by four talented musicians who shared a passion for chamber music and a desire to create a unique sound that would set them apart from other ensembles. The founding members of the Smithson String Quartet were violinists Mark Steinberg and Serena Canin, violist Michael Tree, and cellist David Soyer. All four musicians had impressive resumes and had previously performed with some of the most prestigious orchestras and ensembles in the world. Steinberg and Canin had both studied at the Juilliard School and had performed with the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Tree was a founding member of the Guarneri Quartet, and Soyer had been a member of the famed Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. The quartet's name was inspired by James Smithson, the British scientist and philanthropist who founded the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The quartet felt that Smithson's dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and his commitment to sharing that knowledge with the world reflected their own values as musicians. From the beginning, the Smithson String Quartet was committed to exploring the full range of the chamber music repertoire, from the classics of Mozart and Beethoven to the contemporary works of living composers. They quickly gained a reputation for their innovative programming and their ability to bring fresh insights to even the most familiar works. One of the highlights of the quartet's early career was their performance at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. They were invited to perform at the closing ceremony, where they played a stirring rendition of the Olympic Hymn. The performance was broadcast to millions of viewers around the world and helped to raise the profile of the quartet. Over the years, the Smithson String Quartet has performed at some of the most prestigious concert halls and festivals in the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Edinburgh Festival, and the Salzburg Festival. They have collaborated with some of the most celebrated musicians of our time, including pianist Emanuel Ax, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and soprano Renée Fleming. In addition to their performances, the quartet has also been recognized for their recordings. They have released several critically acclaimed albums, including a complete cycle of Beethoven's string quartets and a collection of works by the contemporary composer John Adams. Their recording of the Beethoven cycle was praised for its "impeccable musicianship" and its ability to capture the "spirit and energy" of the composer's works. Throughout their career, the Smithson String Quartet has received numerous awards and honors. In 1996, they were awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes outstanding young musicians who show exceptional promise for a career in classical music. They were also awarded the Naumburg Chamber Music Award in 1997, which is one of the most prestigious awards for chamber music in the United States. Despite their many accomplishments, the Smithson String Quartet remains committed to their mission of bringing the beauty and power of chamber music to audiences around the world. They continue to perform regularly and to explore new works and new collaborations.

More....