December 21, 2004

Just in time to make for some very merry holidays, we received word today that we've been accepted into the 5th Osaka International Chamber Music Competition!

For two weeks this May, we'll be in Osaka, Japan, competing in "Section I" (only for string quartets) against the best groups from around the world.  But what will be the toughest part of it all?  Struggling to learn enough Japanese so that we don't embarass ourselves there?  Trying to be in peak form after a long flight in a cramped airline seat and a massive time change?  Or the long list of major works we'll need to have ready?  (seven complete works in all, totaling more than three and a half hours of music)

We hope that the music will be the toughest part, because we've all been training our entire lives to handle that kind of challenge!

Wish us luck, and write to us if you have any secrets for dealing with jet lag, plane travel, or culture shock!

November 9, 2004

Tonight we took the stage with some of our students from Morningside College to perform the Mendelssohn Octet.  We are proud to have recruited some very talented string players over the past couple years, and tonight we were able to show them off to the public.  Thanks and congratulations to our students Devora Geller, Meredith French, and Ilisja Sheri, as well as fellow faculty member Joe Shufro!

September 12, 2004

In September we spent a few days in Iowa City, performing for the Year of Arts and Humanities. We had a great time in Iowa City, and in between rehearsals, two concerts, and a 7:00 am radio broadcast, we even found time to make a new friend!  Apparently the University of Iowa’s Hawkeye is a big fan of chamber music. Who knew?