The Alexander String Quartet, alongside distinguished music historian and pianist Robert Greenberg, is set to captivate audiences with a series of performances that delve into the rich legacies of Beethoven, Schubert, Haydn, and Mozart. These events, spanning various esteemed venues, promise both the mastery of classical compositions and enlightening commentary, offering a profound journey through music and history. Featuring world-renowned musicians and guest pianist Jeffrey LaDeur, these concerts are a testament to the enduring beauty and influence of chamber music.

Harmonizing History: The Alexander String Quartet's Timeless Performances

The San Francisco music scene is set to be enlivened by 'The String Quartets of Papa Joe & Wolfgang 2025' series, featuring the renowned Alexander String Quartet. These concerts, paired with insightful commentary by Dr. Robert Greenberg, promise to delve into the works of musical giants Mozart and Haydn. Adding depth to this musical journey, the ensemble, alongside pianist Jeffrey LaDeur, will present a captivating blend of timeless classics and contemporary compositions. Join us in exploring the charm and historical essence of these masterful performances.

Exploring the Harmonious World of The Alexander String Quartet

Experience the harmonious blend of history and music through 'The String Quartets of Papa Joe & Wolfgang.' Hosted by San Francisco Performances, this beloved Saturday Morning Series brings together the acclaimed Alexander String Quartet and Dr. Robert Greenberg. With events spread across January, the series showcases the works of classical giants Mozart and Haydn, accompanied by the enlightening commentary of historian-in-residence Dr. Greenberg. Later in May, the series unfolds with a collaborative performance by the quartet and pianist Jeffrey LaDeur, infusing timeless compositions with fresh interpretations.

An Ode to the Masters: The String Quartets of Papa Joe & Wolfgang

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.

Alexander String Quartet with pianist Jeffrey LaDeur

Mercy Center Burlingame

Our Saturday Morning Series has been one of our most popular for decades. These lively and fun concerts with the Alexander String Quartet and Music Historian-in-Residence Dr. Robert Greenberg are filled with great music and insightful, historical, and humorous commentary.

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The String Quartets of Papa Joe & Wolfgang 2025 Concert 2

War Memorial and Performing Arts Center

The String Quartets of Papa Joe & Wolfgang 2025 Concert 1

Widely admired for its interpretations of Beethoven, Mozart and Shostakovich, the Alexander String Quartet’s recordings have won critical acclaim worldwide. Joined by lecturer Robert Greenberg, in-house music historian of SF Performances and noted pianist and composer, they’ll bring to life the nuances and history behind Beethoven’s “The Harp” and Schubert’s “Death and the Maiden,” considered one of the pillars of the chamber ensemble repertoire. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate this foundational piece of Mondavi Center history.

Alexander String Quartet with Robert Greenberg

Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts

Widely acclaimed as one of the world's premiere ensembles, the Alexander String Quartet has performed in the major music capitals of five continents and produced a series of recordings receiving such accolades as, "These are by far, hands down and feet up, the most amazing performances of Mozart's two piano quartets that have graced these ears." --Fanfare

Alexander String Quartet

The Chapel, Roseburg

The String Quartets of Papa Joe & Wolfgang 2

The String Quartets of Papa Joe & Wolfgang

Alexander String Quartet with John Novacek, Piano

Berger Center

The esteemed and popular Alexander String Quartet has enlivened SF Performances seasons for more than three decades, joined by Music Historian-in-Residence Robert Greenberg. Together they explore in music and words some of chamber music’s most intriguing and important composers, their works, lives, and times. Looking back to the early years of the last century, the Quartet and Greenberg will explore the rich history of bright innovation and creation during often dark times.

Alexander String Quartet with Robert Greenberg 6

Alexander String Quartet with Robert Greenberg 5

Alexander String Quartet with Robert Greenberg 4

Alexander String Quartet with Robert Greenberg 3

The Alexander String Quartet and Robert Greenberg look back 100 years to the tumultuous social and political era of the early 20th century—times not unlike our own—and explore enduring works of the great music it produced. Programs will include works by Debussy, Ravel, Webern, Schoenberg, Sibelius, and Nielsen. 

The Alexander String Quartet and Robert Greenberg look back 100 years to the tumultuous social and political era of the early 20th century—times not unlike our own—and explore enduring works of the great music it produced. Programs will include works by Debussy, Ravel, Webern, Schoenberg, Sibelius, and Nielsen

A happy habit for a generation of San Francisco Performances concertgoers devoted to spending Saturday mornings with great music and fun, informative commentary. Deftly placed into compelling context by Robert Greenberg, our music historian-in-residence, each program features complete works performed by the Alexander String Quartet.
This season, the five look back 100 years to the tumultuous social and political era of the early 20th century—times not unlike our own—and explore enduring works of the great music it produced. Programs will include works by Debussy, Ravel, Webern, Schoenberg, Sibelius, Bartók, Elgar, and Vaughan Williams.

Alexander String Quartet & Robert Greenberg | Host

Tucson Convention Center

A major artistic presence in its home base of San Francisco, the Alexander String Quartet is equally beloved in its second home, the Mondavi Center. This year the quartet appears with violist David Samuel joining cellist Sandy Wilson, and violinists Fred Lifsitz and Zakarias Grafilo.
All Alexander String Quartet performances will take place in Jackson Hall and will feature Robert Greenberg's lecture on each piece followed by a full performance of the same piece.

Berkeley Chamber Performances is excited to welcome the Alexander String Quartet back to our series on November 1. “This is a group deep in its element, firm in its stride.” LA Times.

Alexander String Quartet

May 4, 2025

Alexander String Quartet with pianist Jeffrey LaDeur

Jan 25, 2025

The String Quartets of Papa Joe & Wolfgang 2025 Concert 2

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Alexander String Quartet