A Season of Strings: Chamber Music Extravaganza with Aris, Ariel, and Alexander Quartets
As chamber music resonates through the hallowed halls of Mercy Center Burlingame, three world-renowned ensembles – the Aris Quartet, Ariel Quartet, and Alexander String Quartet with pianist Jeffrey LaDeur – are set to enchant audiences with a captivating series of performances. These events promise to showcase a blend of classical and contemporary pieces, with each ensemble bringing their unique artistry and musical prowess to the stage. Spanning from March to May 2025, the concert series is a celebration of the rich tapestry of chamber music, featuring works by Mendelssohn, Ligeti, Brahms, and more.
Expressive, dynamic, spectacular – the Aris Quartet of Germany has been at home on international stages for the past fifteen years. With its unmistakable sound, it has long been known as one of the world’s top-rank chamber music ensembles. The musicians have performed in venues including London’s Wigmore Hall, the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, the Herbst Theatre San Francisco, and the Philharmonie de Paris.
Distinguished by its virtuosity, probing musical insight, and impassioned, fiery performances, the Ariel Quartet has garnered critical praise worldwide for more than twenty years. Formed when the members were just teenagers studying at the Jerusalem Academy Middle School of Music and Dance in Israel, the Ariel was named a recipient of the prestigious Cleveland Quartet Award, granted by Chamber Music America in recognition of artistic achievement and career support.
The Alexander String Quartet stands among the world’s premier ensembles, having performed in the major music capitals of five continents. The quartet is a vital artistic presence in its home base of San Francisco, serving since 1989 as Ensemble-in-Residence of San Francisco Performances and as frequent performers for Music at Kohl Mansion. Widely admired for its interpretations of Beethoven, Mozart, and Shostakovich, the quartet’s recordings have won international critical acclaim. Founded in New York City in 1981, the Alexander String Quartet has maintained an unyielding and passionate commitment to education. For decades, the ensemble has trained generations of gifted performers, emerging string quartets, and talented young musicians destined to pass on their knowledge and love of music as teachers in schools across the globe.
This spring, the Mercy Center Burlingame becomes a hub of artistic excellence, bringing together some of the finest chamber music ensembles in the world. The series is a testament to the enduring power of music to unite and inspire, offering audiences a chance to experience the depth and diversity of the chamber music repertoire. With performances by the Aris Quartet, Ariel Quartet, and Alexander String Quartet, each event promises a unique and enriching experience, leaving audiences with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the art form.