Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Pacifica Quartet Shostakovich Cycle Part 1

Thursday, October 21, 2010, at 7:30pm | Foellinger Great Hall

Classical Mix Series | Taut, brutally ironic, austere, humorously biting, turbulent, searing. Shostakovich’s 15 string quartets stand as a testament to his steely resolve against a repressive Soviet government. Imposing and intimate, these mammoth works require unwavering ambition and commitment to perform. Few harbor the blistering technique and fluid expressiveness necessary to showcase the emotions of these pieces—and only the Pacifica Quartet could interpret them with such artistry.

No strangers to momentous projects, Simin Ganatra, Masumi Per Rostad, Sibbi Bernhardsson, and Brandon Vamos have already confronted Beethoven’s genius through performances of the complete cycle of his quartets during the 2007-08 season. On the Mendelssohn cycle during the 2008-09 season, these musicians exhibited the composer’s refined exuberance. And they pioneered with their full evenings of Elliot Carter’s quicksilver quartets.

Their unmatched mastery of such diverse works has earned them a 2009 Grammy Award, Musical America’s choice in 2009 as Ensemble of the Year, and the position as quartet-in-residence for the coveted Metropolitan Museum Concerts series in New York City. The Pacifica Quartet—the resident string quartet at the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois—will divulge Shostakovich’s achingly authentic pain and truth on Quartets 1, 2, 3, and 7.

Make plans for the other installments of this spectacular cycle:

Tuesday, December 7 at 7:30pm (This concert was originally scheduled for November 18. Please note that the date has changed since the printed materials were prepared.)
(Quartets 4, 5, 6, and 8)

Thursday, January 27 at 7:30pm
(Quartets 9, 10, and 12)

Tuesday, February 22 at 7:30pm
(Quartets 11, 13, 14, and 15)


Patron Sponsors:
Jean and Howard Osborn
David Sansone

Corporate Gold Sponsor:
One Main Development

Patron Co-sponsors:
Elizabeth and Edwin Goldwasser
Melanie Loots and George Gollin
Diana Sheets and Stephen Levinson
Joy Thornton Walter and John Walter