A new CD has been released to critical acclaim! This is a selection of contemporary works that were premiered by the Avalon Quartet. It can be purchased on Amazon here. 

Contents:
Hayes Biggs, composer

O Sapientia/Steal Away


Ethan Wickman, composer
Namasté

Stephen Gryc, composer
String Quartet

David Macbride, composer
A Muse

Reviews:

"It would be hard to overpraise the polished, adroit, deeply musical and sheerly gorgeous playing of the Avalon String Quartet, superbly complemented by Albany's vivid, powerful, sonics. Together they make the best possible case for the music."

American Record Guide

"There are so many fine young string quartets these days that the Avalon may have not yet come to your attention. It should. They play the Biggs piece with passion and precision, sensitively varied colors, and impeccable pacing." 

Secret Geometry - Blog of James Primosch

"Four worthwhile works...all deserving of a place in the repertoire. The impressive Avalon String Quartet does them a huge service." 

Phillip Scott, Fanfare

"If there is any question as to whether newly composed music played by one of the premier quartets of our time can be fun, inspiring, whimsical, melodic, and user-friendly, this CD should put all qualms to rest. Yes, folks, there is music being written and performed that doesn't need a light show or sexy dancers to be fascinating." 

David Wolman, Fanfare

2010-2011 Chicago Concert Series

The Avalon String Quartet's 2010-2011 three-concert Chicago series explores different intersections of the string quartet and the human voice.  

The opening concert features string chamber music by characteristically operatic composers.  The second focuses on the Viennese song tradition.  The third features works by American composers, including a seminal quartet work based on the rhythm of the English language.

September 23, 2010 - "Opening Night at the Opera"

Puccini: Crisantemi for String Quartet

Britten: Three Divertimenti (1936)

Verdi: String Quartet in e minor

Mozart: String Quintet in C Major, K. 515

 With Roger Chase, viola

February 10, 2011 - "Viennese Song"

Berg: Lyric Suite

 With Julia Bentley, mezzo-soprano

Schubert: String Quartet in d minor, "Death and the Maiden"

April 27, 2011 -- "American Voices"

Harold Meltzer: New Work for String Quartet

Reich: Different Trains

Amy Beach: Quintet for Piano and Strings

 pianist TBA

 Single tickets are $25, or a three-concert subscription is $60. Student and senior discount tickets are available for $10 with a valid ID. Performances will take place in the Gottlieb Hall of the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center at Merit School of Music, 38 South Peoria Street in Chicago.

 To order tickets, visit www.brownpapertickets.com or call Ticket Hotline 1.800.838.3006.