Beethoven Cycle continues with performance by The American String Quartet on Oct. 12

October 6, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — UF Performing Arts continues its Beethoven Cycle, a celebration of master composer Ludwig van Beethoven, with a performance by The American String Quartet starting at 2 p.m. on Oct. 12 in the University Auditorium.

Beethoven Cycle, begun during the 2007-08 season, is a special program dedicated to bringing some of the best musicians in the world to the UF campus to celebrate the genius of this legendary composer. This season’s cycle includes performances by The American String Quartet, the Ying Quartet (Jan. 11) and the Ebène Quartet (March 22).

One highlight of The American String Quartet’s performance will be the performance of the Grosse Fuge as the original finale for Quartet B-flat Major. Considered too dense for 19th century audiences, Beethoven was persuaded by his publisher to re-write the quartet’s ending, and the Grosse Fuge has mostly stood alone in the centuries since. In their concert, The American String Quartet will perform the piece as the composer originally intended.

“Our office came up with the concept eight years ago of having six groups perform all 16 quartets in six programs instead of having one quartet perform all of them, thus giving the audience an opportunity not just to experience Beethoven’s lifetime of string quartet writing, but also six different interpretations of these monumental works,” says Kaplan.

The American String Quartet is internationally recognized as one of the world’s finest quartets. Current members include Peter Winogard (Violin), Laurie Carney (Violin), Daniel Avshalomov (Viola) and Wolfram Koessel (Cello). In more than 30 years of touring, The American String Quartet has performed in all 50 states and appeared in virtually every concert hall throughout the world. Their innovative approach to programming has won them a number of notable residencies.

Tickets can be purchased for $15 to $25 by calling the Phillips Center Box Office at 352-392-ARTS (2787), 800-905-ARTS (toll-free within Florida) or call Ticketmaster at 800-277-1700 (toll-free). Tickets may also be purchased at the Phillips Center Box Office, the University Box Office at the Reitz Student Union, from any Ticketmaster outlet or online at www.ticketmaster.com.