MUSIC

Houston Friends of Chamber Music presents the Miami String Quartet, with Arianna Zukerman, Tuesday, January 18, 2011.

The Quartet and Ms. Zukerman will perform the Ginastera String Quartet #3, Opus 40 for Soprano and String Quartet, the Schubert Salve Regina from Mass in A and Respighi’s “Il Tramonto” at 8 PM in Stude Hall at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. The Miami String Quartet will also feature the Schumann String Quartet in A Major, Opus 41 #3.

Praised in the New York Times as having “everything one wants in a quartet: a rich, precisely balanced sound, a board coloristic palette, real unity of interpretive purpose and seemingly unflagging energy,” the Miami String Quartet is considered one of the most widely respected quartets in America. For over twenty years, their diversity in programming, poise in performance, keen sense of ensemble and impeccable musicality has made the Miami one of the most sought after quartets in chamber music today. Their extensive appearances throughout the United States and Europe, along with their festival programs, have made them a “must” on most concert series.

Soprano Arianna Zukerman is equally in demand for opera and concert performances. The Washington Post observes “Arianna Zukerman possess a remarkable voice that combines the range, warmth and facility of a Rossini mezzo with shimmering, round high notes and exquisite pianissimos that would make any soprano jealous.” Ms. Zukerman appears frequently in solo recitals in the United States and Europe. An accomplished chamber musician, her collaboration with the youthful Miami String Quartet occasions star billing in many prominent chamber music venues in North American and Europe

The Miami String Quartet is the first string quartet in over a decade to win First Prize at the New York Concert Artists Guild Competition. The combination of the Miami and Ms. Zukerman will captivate you. Once again, the finest is presented to the greater Houston area; and this is a performance you won’t want to miss!

Houston Friends of Chamber Music is funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance.

Pictured:  (l to r) Cathy Meng Robinson, violin; Ivan Chan, violin; Yu Jin, viola; Keith Robinson, cello. Photo of Miami String Quartet  -www.miamistringquartet.com.