Emerson String Quartet Set for Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival, 8/4

The Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival (CCCMF), celebrating 37 years as Cape Cod's premiere presenter of summer chamber music, presents The Emerson Plays Two Russian Greats in concert on Thursday, August 4, 7:30 pm, at First Congregational Church, 200 Main Street, Wellfleet.

An incredible ensemble with international acclaim, The Emerson Quartet stands alone in the history of string quartets with an unparalleled list of achievements over three decades. Joining the Festival for a fourth consecutive season, the ensemble features Eugene Drucker, violin, Philip Setzer, violin, Lawrence Dutton, viola and Paul Watkins, cello. A highlight of their appearance is a performance of Tchaikovsky's rarely programmed 3rd String Quartet, along with works by Beethoven and Shostakovich.

The Emerson String Quartet have accomplished more than thirty acclaimed recordings, are the recipients of nine Grammys (including two for Best Classical Album), three Gramophone Awards, the Avery Fisher Prize, Musical America's "Ensemble of the Year" and collaborations with many of the greatest artists of our time.

The arrival of Paul Watkins in 2013 has had a profound effect on the Emerson Quartet. Mr. Watkins, a distinguished soloist, award-winning conductor, and devoted chamber musician, joined the ensemble in its 37th season, and his dedication and enthusiasm have infused the Quartet with a warm, rich tone and a palpable joy in the collaborative process. The reconfigured group has been greeted with impressive accolades. "The Emerson brought the requisite virtuosity to every phrase. But this music is equally demanding emotionally and intellectually, and the group's powers of concentration and sustained intensity were at least as impressive." The New York Times

Formed in 1976 and based in New York City, the Emerson was one of the first quartets formed with two violinists alternating in the first chair position. The Emerson Quartet, which took its name from the American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, is Quartet-in-Residence at Stony Brook University. In January 2015, the Quartet received the Richard J. Bogomolny National Service Award, Chamber Music America's highest honor, in recognition of its significant and lasting contribution to the chamber music field.

The Emerson recently released a recording with world-renowned soprano Renée Fleming on the Decca/Universal label, featuring Viennese music written in the 1920s and '30s.

Program: The Emerson Plays Two Russian Greats

Eugene Drucker, violin; Philip Setzer, violin; Lawrence Dutton, viola; Paul Watkins, cello.

Schubert: String Quartet No. 13 in A Minor, D. 804

Allegro ma non troppo

Andante

Menuetto: Allegretto; Trio

Allegro moderato

Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 10 in A-flat Major, Opus 118

Tchaikovsky: String Quartet No. 3 in E-flat Minor, Opus 30

As Cape Cod's premiere presenter of summer chamber music, CCCMF's 37th summer season features 13 compelling concerts from July 29 through August 26 at 7:30 pm in locations throughout the region.

Tickets ordered on or before June 30: $34 General Admission; $15 for students over 18; Free for attendees 18 and under. General admission to three or more concerts $32. Tickets to Emerson String Quartet's concert are $50 (individually or as part of a three concert series).

Tickets ordered on or after July 1: $38 General Admission; $15 for students over 18; Free for attendees 18 and under. General Admission to three or more concerts $36. Tickets to Emerson String Quartet's concert are $55 (individually or as part of a three concert series).

Special benefit premium tickets are $100 to $125, including reserved seating and a pre-concert or post-concert reception for concerts on August 1, 4 and 9.

Festival seating is limited to venue capacity, advance purchase is recommended. Tickets ordered online are available at will call at the performances. Tickets may also be purchased by calling or visiting the box office at 508-247-9400 or at 3 Main Street Unit 6, North Eastham. Box office hours are 10 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday. Phone orders are available until 12 noon on the day of each concert.

For more information about Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival's 2016 season, performers, mission and venues, visit capecodchambermusic.org, or follow Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival on Facebook and Twitter.

To post a comment, you must register and login.