The Jerusalem String Quartet returns for its fourth UMS concert to kick off the 50th Annual Chamber Arts Series. Comprised of four young musicians who began playing together in 1993 when they were in their mid-teens, they have matured into outstanding interpreters of the string quartet literature. They display a liveliness and spontaneity that has led to international acclaim, and each of their UMS concerts has led to immediate requests for a return appearance. The ensemble was recently awarded the BBC Music Magazine Award in Chamber Music for an unprecedented third time. “Their wonderfully full and vibrant sound is channeled through rhythms and phrasings that are crisp, tight-reined, and naturally flowing. Every deft switch of mood is caught to near-perfection…” (BBC Music Magazine)

Program
Shostakovich: Quartet No. 7 in f-sharp minor, Op. 108 (1960)
Beethoven: Quartet in B-flat Major, Op. 18, No. 6 (1800-01)
Shostakovich: Quartet No. 3 in F Major, Op. 73 (1946)
Program Book [PDF]

Also see:
Jerusalem Quartet Website

The Jerusalem Quartet continue to be both regular and popular visitors to major venues throughout the world, with a growing reputation in North America where they have played in venues throughout New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Washington.

The Quartet’s recordings have received numerous prizes. Their recording of Haydn’s String Quartets won the chamber category of the 2010 BBC Music Magazine Awards and the Diapason d’Or Arte and their release of Schubert’s Death and the Maiden Quartet received an ECHO Classic Award in 2009 and was Editor’s Choice in the July 2008 edition of Gramophone Magazine. The Quartet’s latest recording of Mozart’s String Quartets, released in March 2011, was immediately selected as Chamber Music Choice in BBC Music Magazine the same month and their recording of Schumann’s Piano Quartet and Quintet with Alexander Melnikov will be released in spring 2012.

In 2003 the Quartet were recipients of the first Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award. They were also part of the first ever BBC New Generation Artists scheme from 1999 to 2001.

The Jerusalem String Quartet last performed in Ann Arbor during the 2010-2011 season, and this performance marks their fourth UMS appearance.

Performance trailer