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The Serafins present Songs of Norway live on August 22 with a virtual broadcast August 25 (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) July 15, 2020 - The Music School of Delaware presents Serafin Ensemble in a oneof- a-kind live and virtual concert titled Summer Surprise – Songs of Norway! LIVE – on Saturday, August 22, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. The performance will broadcast in a virtual event on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. Live and virtual tickets are $20, available for purchase at www.musicschoolofdelaware.org. Concertgoers will travel to the magical and majestic land of Norway when Norwegian virtuoso siblings, Julie and David Coucheron (piano and violin), take the stage on Saturday, August 22, in Wilmington. The siblings will be joined by a line up of superb chamber musicians to present repertoire by Grieg, Halvorsen, Lalo, and Sinding. Selections include works for violin and piano, piano four-hands, violin and viola, violin and cello, and the supercharged and colorful String Quartet in G Minor by Grieg.
Serafin Ensemble performs Summer Surprise-Songs of Norway! The Serafins present Sibling Rivalry Surprise live and virtual concert August 22 and 25 (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) June 25, 2020 - The Music School of Delaware presents Serafin Ensemble in a one- of-a-kind live and virtual concert titled Sibling Rivalry Surprise! LIVE – on Saturday, August 22, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. The performance will broadcast in a virtual event on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. Three dynamic brother-sister duos team up for a virtuoso display of violin and piano finesse, fun and friendly feuding. The spirited performance features highly acclaimed sibling artists Julie and David Coucheron; Helen and Michael Kim; and Kate and William Ransom.
Serafin Ensemble performs a Sibling Rivalry Surprise! Serafin Ensemble postpones Serafin Summer Music festival and announces August live and virtual concert (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) May 21, 2020 - Serafin Ensemble postpones classical music festival, Serafin Summer Music, to summer 2021. The ensemble created a special video message to announce the postponement to fans. The festival was created in 2019, in partnership with the University of Delaware Department of Music and The Music School of Delaware. In its first year, the festival presented eight concerts featuring eighteen internationally acclaimed artists drawing large audiences of classical music aficionados. The post-concert meet-the-artists receptions with sumptuous bites and beverages themed to the concert programs became a signature of the festival in its first year. "We are working to finalize the 2021 dates with the nineteen artists scheduled to perform this year," comments Kate Ransom, Artistic Director. "We look forward to presenting an impressive concert schedule and bringing world-class live chamber music to Delaware again next summer. In the meantime, please join the Serafins this August for a one-of-a-kind live and virtual concert experience." The Serafins present a Sibling Rivalry Surprise! The Serafins announce the following changes to June concert dates:
Serafin Ensemble reschedules March and April Concerts (Click here for a printable version of this release) Featuring the Delaware premiere of Lowell Liebermann Horn Trio (Wilmington, Del.) March 18, 2020 - Serafin Ensemble reschedules spring concerts in reaction to CDC recommendations. The changes are as follows:
Thursday, June 11 at 8:00 p.m Thursday, June 25 at 7:00 p.m. Announcing Serafin Ensemble March and April Concert Dates (Click here for a printable version of this release) Featuring the Delaware premiere of Lowell Liebermann Horn Trio (Wilmington, Del.) February 10, 2020 - Serafin Ensemble, a roster of internationally acclaimed performing artists, announces statewide concerts at The Music School of Delaware - Milford Branch on March 22, University of Delaware on March 23 and the Milton Theatre on April 2. In March, the Serafins welcome the highly acclaimed guest pianist Read Gainsford, a native of New Zealand, to perform a varied and robust program including the Delaware premiere of the Lowell Liebermann's Horn Trio performed by artists Kate Ransom, John David Smith and Read Gainsford. The program repertoire spans the music from Vivaldi to today, with a salute to Beethoven - his Sonata for Horn and Piano, performed by John David Smith and Read Gainsford, and the Serenade for Flute, Violin, and Viola featuring artists Eileen Grycky, Amos Fayette and Luke Fleming. Grycky will also be showcased in Mozart's sweet and lively Quartet for flute and strings in D Major. Another highlight of the program will Vivaldi’s duet aria sung by countertenor Augustine Mercante joined by Grycky and the Serafin strings. In April, the Serafins return to the Milton Theater with a program titled A Little Night. It opens with Mozart’s famous and popular “Eine Kleine Nachtmusic,” followed by his concerto-like Duo in G Major for Violin and Viola. The celebration of Beethoven continues in this program, with the Serafins’ rendition of his String Quartet in Eb Major, Op. 74, nicknamed “The Harp,” for the work’s virtuosic arpeggiated passages. Serafin Ensemble Spring Concerts Sunday, March 22 at 4:00 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 2, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. Serafin Ensemble remembers William Stegeman on January 15 (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) January 6, 2020 - Serafin Ensemble, a roster of internationally acclaimed performing artists, honors arts advocate and Serafin supporter, William Jackson Stegeman at The Music School of Delaware on January 15, 2020. The memorial concert will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Stegeman’s impact on the Serafin Ensemble and The Music School of Delaware. The Music School Board of Directors has announced that they will match contributions to the Music School made in memory of Dr. Stegeman. Donations can be made at www.musicschoolofdelaware.org. Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. Serafin Ensemble Welcomes New Artist and Announces Memorial Concert (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) December 19, 2019 - Serafin Ensemble, a roster of internationally acclaimed performing artists, welcomes new artist, Jacques-Pierre Malan. The South African cellist, soloist, chamber musician, teacher and music entrepreneur has received international acclaim for his unparalleled performances and innovative projects. Malan joins The Serafins for performances in January and April, and Serafin Summer Music festival in June.
“Joining the Serafin Ensemble roster is a thrilling addition to my musical path,” comments acclaimed cellist Jacques-Pierre Malan. “We have more exciting opportunities this season to create magic together for the audiences we encounter, and I am confident we will enjoy a long and healthy partnership.” “Collaborating with Jacques-Pierre has been an absolute joy from the first moment. He jumped right in with virtuosity, a wonderful spirit of collaboration, and a winning manner with audiences,” comments Kate Ransom, Serafin founder and Artistic Director. “He is a superb addition to the Serafin roster.” In their January concerts, Serafin Ensemble will honor arts advocate and Serafin supporter, William Jackson Stegeman at The Music School of Delaware on January 15, 2020. The memorial concert will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Stegeman’s impact on the Serafin Ensemble and The Music School of Delaware. The Music School Board of Directors has announced that they will match contributions to the Music School made in memory of Dr. Stegeman. Donations can be made at www.musicschoolofdelaware.org. The Milton Theatre presents Serafin Winter Music (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) October 28, 2019 - The Milton Theatre presents Serafin Ensemble, “The Serafins,” for a special concert celebrating the season on Thursday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. Serafin Winter Music features performances by East Coast artists Kate Ransom and Amos Fayette, violins; Luke Fleming, viola; Jacques-Pierre Malan, cello; and Gus Mercante, countertenor. The seasonal concert includes selections for the season, such as the ever-popular Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson, Vivaldi's "Winter," and sing-along carols with "Uncle Gus" Mercante, along with standard repertoire celebrating Beethoven's 249th birthday on December 16. The complete program includes:
IF YOU GO: The Milton Theatre presents Serafin Winter Music
Serafin Ensemble Opens 2019-2020 Season at The Arts at Trinity on October 20, 2019 (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) September 9, 2019 - Serafin Ensemble, “The Serafins,” a group of internationally acclaimed performing artists (string, wind, piano and vocalists) devoted to collaborative chamber music performances, opens its inaugural season at The Arts at Trinity on Sunday, October 20 at 4:00 p.m. The concert features artists Kate Ransom, violin, Charae Krueger, cello, and William Ransom, piano. The program includes:
IF YOU GO: The Arts at Trinity presents Serafin Ensemble & Friends
Serafin Summer Music Festival Brings Exceptional Chamber Artists to Delaware June 20-30 (Click here for a printable version of this release) New festival features eight scintillating performances by eighteen accomplished artists (Wilmington, Del.) May 10, 2019 - Serafin Ensemble, in partnership with the University of Delaware Department of Music and The Music School of Delaware, present Serafin Summer Music from June 20-30, 2019. For Delaware chamber music lovers, the new festival fills a void left by the Delaware Chamber Music Festival which discontinued after their June 2017 concerts. The eighteen artists of the festival include accomplished artists from around the United States, including Oklahoma, Ohio, Kentucky, Atlanta, Florida and New York, along with performers from the University of Delaware and The Music School of Delaware. “Bringing superb artists together to prepare and share marvelous masterworks with a community of eager listeners is a thrilling creative enterprise in every respect,” comments Kate Ransom, Artistic Director. “Planning the programming is, in itself, a wonderful undertaking.” Kate Ransom’s role as Serafin violinist, along with her affiliation as President of The Music School of Delaware, and with the University of Delaware, offered special synergy to make the new festival possible. Leaders of each organization have supported the collaborative effort to start Serafin Summer Music, with sponsorship support from Dr. William Stegeman, Ph.D., Jacobs Music Company, Harry’s Savoy Grill, Tonic Bar and Grille, Delaware Today, WDEL and GateHouse Media Delaware. Each concert will have a unique theme and ensemble configuration of up to six string, wind, piano and vocal performers devoted to collaborative chamber music performances. The repertoire includes works by the great classical composers, including Beethoven, Schumann and Brahms, as well as works by lesser-known composers, such as Smetana, Khachaturian and Faure. “I look forward to an exceptional festival where we will showcase a sampling of the incredible musical talent in Delaware while introducing our audiences to amazing guest artists from around the nation,” says Augustine Mercante, Festival Manager. All performances will be held at The Music School of Delaware, Wilmington Branch, 4101 N. Washington Street, Wilmington, DE. Season subscriptions are $135 for all 8 performances, 4-pack of tickets are $70 and single tickets are $20. Purchase tickets by visiting www.brownpapertickets.com or calling (302) 762-1132. For more information, please visit www.serafinensemble.org/summer. Announcing Serafin Ensemble (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) April 12, 2019 - The new Serafin Ensemble, “The Serafins,” consists of internationally acclaimed performing artists (string, wind, piano and vocalists) devoted to collaborative chamber music performances of repertoire for up to eight players. The ensemble evolved from the former Serafin String Quartet and continues the nearly two-decade-long Serafin legacy of passionate commitment to presenting exceptional performances of small ensemble repertoire. The Serafin Ensemble roster of artists from across the nation includes: Kate Ransom, violinist and artistic director; Amos Fayette, violin; Hal Grossman, violin; Luke Fleming, viola; Charae Krueger, cello; Guang Wang, cello; Miles Brown, double bass; Victor Santiago Asuncion, piano; Eileen Grycky, flute; John David Smith, horn; and Augustine Mercante, countertenor. Serafin Ensemble artists have been heralded around the globe for concerts and recordings, acclaimed in the press, and received international prizes and awards. Their current and former affiliations and distinctions are impressive and include: Steinway artist; Fulbright scholar; performances with Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Alexander, Attacca, Oxford, Serafin and Vega String Quartets, “Alarm Will Sound”, Boston Chamber Orchestra, I Musici de Montreal, Del’Arte Wind Quintet; prizes from the London String Quartet Competition and Concert Artists Guild; participation in summer programs such as Aspen, Aria, Banff, Brevard, Casals, Chatauqua, Ravinia, Spoleto and Tanglewood; appearances on NPR’s Performance Today, St. Paul Sunday Morning, WQXR, WRTI, Radio France, and National Radio of China; and degrees from major music schools including Juilliard, Peabody, Yale, Indiana, New England and Boston Conservatories, Royal Academy of Music, Mannes, Michigan, Eastman, and the Longy School. In May, Serafin String Quartet will perform its final concerts at The Arts at Trinity on Sunday, May 5 at 4:00 p.m. and The Music School of Delaware on Wednesday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m. The Milton Theatre presents Serafin Ensemble for their first concert on Sunday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m. The Serafins May concerts are designated as National Chamber Music Month events. The month-long series of performances, residencies and chamber music events will showcase ensemble music of all styles, including early, classical, jazz, and world music. For more information, please visit www.serafinensemble.org. The Milton Theatre presents Serafin Ensemble (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) April 8, 2019 - The Milton Theatre presents Serafin Ensemble in concert on Sunday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m. The concert features performances by east coast artists Kate Ransom (Wilmington, Del.); Amos Fayette (Milford, Del.); Luke Fleming (New York City); and Charae Krueger (Atlanta). Serafin Ensemble, “The Serafins,” is a group of internationally acclaimed performing artists (string, wind, piano and vocalists) devoted to collaborative chamber music performances of repertoire for up to eight players. The ensemble evolved from the former Serafin String Quartet and continues the nearly two-decade-long Serafin legacy of passionate commitment to presenting exceptional performances of small ensemble repertoire. The varied program selections show off the special character and capabilities of each instrument and artist - with colorful, short solo works for violin, viola, and cello. These are contrasted by works for duo combinations of violin and viola, and two violins. For the finale, the artists will perform a work by Beethoven, in which all four players collaborate in an exciting, intense string quartet from the composer's first stylistic period - a masterwork that bridges classical refinement to stormy romanticism. The program includes:
PERFORMANCE DATE: Sunday, May 19, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, please visit www.serafinquartet.org/summer.php. University of Delaware hosts preview of Serafin Summer Music on April 9 at 8:00pm (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) March 12, 2019 - The University of Delaware presents a preview performance of Serafin Summer Music, a ten-day music festival coming to Delaware in June 2019, on Tuesday, April 9 at 8:00 p.m. Serafin Summer Music is a collaborative effort by Serafin Ensemble, the University of Delaware Department of Music, The Music School of Delaware, Jacobs Music Company and William J. Stegeman, Ph.D. to bring exceptional chamber musicians to Delaware. Serafin Summer Music concerts will feature world-class artists who specialize in collaborative performances of varied chamber ensemble configurations. Following this model, the University of Delaware concert presents Kate Ransom, violin, Lawrence Stomberg, cello, Augustine Mercante, countertenor, and Victor Asuncion, piano. Ransom and Stomberg are long-time members of Serafin String Quartet and accomplished musicians based in Delaware with roles at The Music School of Delaware and University of Delaware. Mercante is an acclaimed soloist, Fulbright Scholar and faculty member of The Music School of Delaware and Wesley College. Asuncion is an internationally acclaimed recitalist, concerto soloist and Steinway artist. Titled French Connection, the concert program includes:
PERFORMANCE DATE: Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. - University of
Delaware presents French Connection For more information, please visit www.serafinquartet.org/summer.php. Serafin String Quartet Announces Spring Concerts (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) February 13, 2019 - Serafin String Quartet announces spring concerts at the University of Delaware, The Arts at Trinity, The Music School of Delaware and The Milton Theatre. The concerts feature performances by the Quartet and collaborative performances with highly acclaimed guest artists. Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. - University of Delaware presents French Connection Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. - The Arts at Trinity presents Serafin String Quartet Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. - The Music School of Delaware presents Serafin String Quartet &
Friends Sunday, May 19, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. - The Milton Theatre presents Serafin Ensemble June 20-30, 2019 - Serafin Summer Music Thursday, June 20 at 7:00 p.m. - BOHEMIAN GEMS Friday, June 21 at 7:00 p.m. - IT’S CLASSIC! Saturday, June 22 at 5:00 p,m. - FRIENDS and MENTORS Sunday, June 23 at 4:00 p.m. - OUT OF BAVARIA Thursday, June 27 at at 7:00 p.m. - FRENCH FORAY Friday, June 28 at 7:00 p.m. - THE THREE B’s Saturday, June 29 at 5:00 p.m. - RUSSIAN ROMP Sunday, June 30 at 4:00 p.m. - FINALE FIREWORKS For more information, please visit www.serafinquartet.org/summer. The University of Delaware presents 8 of Delaware's Finest Musicians on Wednesday, February 13 at 8:00 p.m. (Click here for a printable version of this release) Three talented wind players joined by five accomplished string players make each moment of this epic work one to savor! (Wilmington, Del.) February 8, 2019 - Join Serafin String Quartet and UD Faculty guests, Miles Brown, double bass; John David Smith, horn; Christopher Nichols, clarinet; and Lynn Moncilovich, bassoon, for a special performance of Schubert "Octet" for strings and winds in F Major, Op. 166M. Modeled after Beethoven's early Septet, Op. 20, the sublime octet shows the emotional complexity of Schubert with swings between joyful exuberance and melancholy. Opening remarks by pianist, musicologist and music history professor Dr. Alexandre Abdoulaev will offer insights about Schubert's life and octet. The concert has no intermission and will run approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. FEATURING WHERE TICKETS For a complete listing of concerts, collaborative artists and repertoire in 2018-2019, please visit www.serafinquartet.org. The Arts at Trinity and University of Delaware present Serafin String Quartet in February (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) January 8, 2019 - Serafin String Quartet announces concerts at The Arts at Trinity on Sunday, February 3 at 4:00 p.m. and University of Delaware on Wednesday, February 13 at 8:00 p.m. The Serafins first performance of the 2018-2019 season at The Arts at Trinity features:
If you go: The Arts at Trinity presents Serafin String Quartet on Sunday, February 3, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. On February 13, the Serafins will be joined by UD Faculty guests for a performance of Schubert "Octet" for strings and winds in F Major, Op. 166. This sublime work, modeled after Beethoven’s early Septet, Op. 20, shows the emotional complexity of Schubert with swings between joyful exuberance and morbid melancholy. If you go: University of Delaware presents Serafin String Quartet, Quartet in Residence, on Wednesday,
February 13 at 8:00 p.m. For a complete listing of concerts, collaborative artists and repertoire in 2018-2019, please visit www.serafinquartet.org. Announcing Serafin Summer Music — June 20-30, 2019 — presented at The Music School of Delaware in partnership with The University of Delaware Department of Music sponsored by William J. Stegeman, Ph.D. (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) October 23, 2018 - The Serafins, in partnership with the University of Delaware Department of Music and The Music School of Delaware, announce Serafin Summer Music 2019. The ten-day festival, sponsored by William J. Stegeman, Ph.D., features eight scintillating performances by eighteen accomplished artists. “I have long wanted to start a music festival. Bringing superb artists together to prepare and share marvelous masterworks with a community of eager listeners is a thrilling creative enterprise in every respect,” comments Kate Ransom, Serafin violinist and artistic director. “Planning the programming is, in itself, a wonderful undertaking. And the opportunity to bring several organizations together in this endeavor is gratifying, as well.” Kate Ransom’s role as Serafin violinist, along with her affiliation as President of The Music School of Delaware, and with University of Delaware (she serves as adjunct violin instructor and Serafin String Quartet is Quartet in Residence) offered special synergy to make the new festival possible. Leaders of each organization have supported the collaborative effort to start Serafin Summer Music, with the help of funding from Dr. William Stegeman. For local chamber music lovers the new festival also fills a void left when the Delaware Chamber Music Festival folded a year ago. The eighteen artists of the 2019 festival include locally based performers from University of Delaware and The Music School of Delaware, along with other accomplished artists from around the United States, such as Oklahoma, Ohio, Kentucky, Atlanta, Florida and New York. "I am delighted to work with Kate to bring her vision for this festival to life,” says Augustine Mercante, Festival Manager. “I look forward to an exceptional festival where we will showcase a sampling of the incredible musical talent in Delaware while introducing our audiences to amazing guest artists from around the nation.” All performances will be held at The Music School of Delaware, Wilmington Branch, 4101 N. Washington Street, Wilmington, DE. Tickets are $20 single ticket, $70 4-pack of tickets and $135 for a season ticket (all 8 performances). Purchase tickets by visiting www.brownpapertickets.com or calling (302) 762-1132.For more information, including participating artists and festival schedule, please visit www.serafinquartet.org/summer. University of Delaware presents Serafin String Quartet on December 3, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) October 30, 2018 - The University of Delaware presents Serafin String Quartet, UD’s Quartet in Residence, on Monday, December 3, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. The Quartet will be joined by UD faculty Julie Nishimura, piano, and Miles Brown, double bass, to perform Shostakovich Quintet for piano and strings, Op.57 and Dvorák Quintet in G Major, Op.77 for two violins, viola, cello and bass. One of Shostakovich’s best-known chamber works, the Quintet for piano and strings, Op. 57 was written for and premiered by the Beethoven Quartet with the composer at the piano in 1940. Dvorák Quintet in G Major, Op.77 is a wonderful example of Dvorák's first maturity as a composer. The work is cast in classical Viennese forms with Bohemian melting melodies, poignant harmonies, and vigorous rhythms.
The concert will be held in Gore Recital Hall, Roselle Center for the Arts, UD campus. Tickets are $15 adults; $10 Seniors & UD Alum, and $5 Students. For more information, please visit www.serafinquartet.org. The Serafins, in partnership with the University of Delaware Department of Music and The Music School of Delaware, announce Serafin Summer Music 2019. The ten-day festival, sponsored by William J. Stegeman, Ph.D., features eight scintillating performances by eighteen accomplished artists. For more information, please visit www.serafinquartet.org/summer. For a complete listing of concerts, collaborative artists and repertoire in 2018-2019, please visit www.serafinquartet.org. University of Delaware and The Arts at Trinity concerts in October feature the Serafins and guests (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) September 19, 2018 - The Serafins collaborate with highly acclaimed guest artists for concerts at University of Delaware and The Arts at Trinity in October. The University of Delaware presents Romance on Tuesday, October 9 at 8:00 p.m. The works come from the heart of the romantic era. The trios are mature masterworks by Schumann and Brahms which explore a vast emotional landscape from tenderness and grief to unabashed joy and elation. The Brahms "sonatensatz" for violin and piano offers dark and stormy outer sections which are contrasted by a characterful alternate sections, and a triumphant ending.
The Arts at Trinity presents Ode to Joy - All Beethoven! on Sunday, October 21at 4:00 p.m. Cherished by listeners throughout history, Beethoven's "Archduke" trio is amply full of the composer's most sublime and soaring writing, as well as character and heart. The earlier trio, Op. 11, is performed in its version for violin (rather than clarinet) and is early Beethoven at his "classical best.” The Sonata in Eb major for violin and piano is a sturdy and well-crafted work, with heartfelt sentiment in the lovely slow movement, and jaunty, high spirited first and last movements. The program choices present Beethoven in his most uplifting and joyous mode.
For a complete listing of concerts, collaborative artists and repertoire in 2018-2019, please visit www.serafinquartet.org. Serafin String Quartet Collaborates with Acclaimed Artists in 2018-2019 (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) August 22, 2018 - Serafin String Quartet collaborates with highly acclaimed guest artists and University of Delaware faculty artists to present duos, trios, quartets, quintets and more expanded works in the 2018-2019 season.
Collaborating guest artists include:
Collaborating University of Delaware faculty artists include:
For a complete listing of concerts, collaborative artists and repertoire in 2018-2019, please visit www.serafinquartet.org. Announcing 2018-2019 Season and Important Changes for Serafin String Quartet (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) August 13, 2018 - Serafin String Quartet welcomes Timothy Schwarz, filling the viola seat for the 2018-2019 concert season, as Sheila Browne turns her attention to individual and solo performance activities. A highly acclaimed violin soloist and chamber musician, Schwarz’s musical accolades begin at age eight, with the first prize award for the Philadelphia Orchestra Children Competition. Also an accomplished violist, Schwarz rejoins the Serafins in this role. At the conclusion of this coming season, Serafin String Quartet will become Serafin Ensemble. The Serafin model is already shifting this season to include a greater focus on varied chamber music configurations and collaborations, as it will in the future. In 2018-2019, the Serafins will present duos, trios, quartets, quintets and more expanded works. Serafin String Quartet will return to The Arts at Trinity for performances in February and May. In October, the season opener for The Arts at Trinity will feature Kate Ransom, Serafin violinist, in collaboration with cellist Guang Wang, of the Vega Quartet, and noted local pianist Jennifer Nicole Campbell in an all-Beethoven program. Continuing as Quartet in Residence at the University of Delaware, the Serafins will have an increased presence on stage with collaborative performances in October, December, February and April featuring works such as Schubert Octet for string quartet, bass, clarinet, bassoon, and horn, Shostakovich Piano Quintet, Dvorák Bass Quintet, Brahms Horn Trio, and piano trios by Schumann and Chausson. The Serafins with be joined through the season by UD colleagues including Julie Nishimura (piano), John David Smith (horn), Christopher Nichols (clarinet), Lynn Moncilovich (bassoon), Miles Brown (double bass), and by special guests, Augustine Mercante (countertenor), and Victor Asuncion (piano). Stay tuned for more news and updates about future Serafin Ensemble performances in the Brandywine Valley area. For a complete listing of concerts, collaborative artists and repertoire in 2018-2019, please visit www.serafinquartet.org. The Arts at Trinity presents Serafin String Quartet (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) May 1, 2018 - The Arts at Trinity welcomes Serafin String Quartet back to close their 2017-2018 concert season on Sunday, May 20 at 4:00 p.m. The Serafins will be joined by acclaimed artists Julie Coucheron, piano, and Hal Grossman, violin, for a performance of Chausson Concerto in D Major for Violin, Piano and String Quartet, Op. 21. The Chausson Concerto, referred to as one of the chamber music repertoire's best-kept secrets, a rich, warmsounding, melodic example of late French Romanticism. This unconventional chamber work remains one of the most important works in the French repertoire. The program also features Shostakovich string quartet No. 7, a powerful, at times high-energy, and at times eerily haunting work, filled with dignified expression and humanity; and Mozart Divertimento in Eb Major, K. 563, a deeply intimate, extremely varied and multidimensional work that traverses the human experience from lightness to the profound. It is unique in Mozart's output, and a consummate compositional accomplishment for the instrumentation of violin, viola and cello.  
Serafin violinist Kate Ransom reunites with long-time friend and highly acclaimed violinist Hal Grossman. The two musicians studied violin performance together at the University of Michigan and have shared the stage on numerous occasions over the years. Mr. Grossman is Associate Professor of Violin at The University of Oklahoma and on the violin faculty at the Aria International Summer Academy. Kate Ransom also recently collaborated in South Carolina with twenty-seven year old pianist Julie Coucheron, who has established an international music career, winning prizes in Italy, Germany and in the United States. Born in Oslo, Norway, Ms. Coucheron started playing the piano at the age of four. She earned her bachelor’s and master's degrees from the Royal Academy of Music in London. If you go: The Arts at Trinity presents Serafin String Quartet Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2017-2018 season schedule. Important Date Change for Serafin String Quartet Concert at The Arts at Trinity (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) April 16, 2018 - Serafin String Quartet announces a date change to Sunday, May 20, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. for its upcoming concert at The Arts at Trinity. The new date will allow highly acclaimed guest artists, Julie Coucheron, piano, and Hal Grossman, violin, to join the program for a special performance of Chausson Concerto in D Major for Violin, Piano and String Quartet, Op. 21. The French composer Chausson enjoyed major success with the premiere of this impassioned work, referred to as one of the chamber music repertoire’s best-kept secrets, in 1892. The program also features Shostakovich string quartet No. 7, a powerful, at times high-energy, and at times eerily haunting work, filled with dignified expression and humanity; and Mozart Divertimento in Eb Major, K. 563, a deeply intimate, extremely varied and multi-dimensional work that traverses the human experience from lightness to the profound. It is unique in Mozart's output, and a consummate compositional accomplishment for the instrumentation of violin, viola and cello.
Serafin violinist Kate Ransom reunites with long-time friend and highly acclaimed violinist Hal Grossman. The two musicians studied violin performance together at the University of Michigan and have shared the stage on numerous occasions over the years. Mr. Grossman is Associate Professor of Violin at The University of Oklahoma and on the violin faculty at the Aria International Summer Academy. Kate Ransom also recently collaborated in South Carolina with twenty-seven year old pianist Julie Coucheron, who has established an international music career, winning prizes in Italy, Germany and in the United States. Born in Oslo, Norway, Ms. Coucheron started playing the piano at the age of four. She earned her bachelor’s and master's degrees from the Royal Academy of Music in London. If you go: The Arts at Trinity presents Serafin String Quartet Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2017-2018 season schedule. Take a Musical Journey with Serafin String Quartet on April 14 at World Cafe Live (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) April 3, 2018 - Take a musical journey with Serafin String Quartet at World Cafe Live on Saturday, April 14, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. in Philadelphia. The Quartet presents “Journeys from Old to New, East to West,” an interactive program featuring varied musical works interspersed with historical readings by narrator Philip Gentry. The concert repertoire is organized around the following themes: The Father of the Quartet and his student, works by Haydn and Beethoven; The Romantics, works by Mendelssohn and Puccini; Looking to the East, works by Dohnanyi and Shostakovich; and Welcome to America!, works by Higdon and Still. Dr. Gentry will narrate readings throughout the program offering unique insights into the works and composers. Philip Gentry is a musicologist specializing in the history of music and politics in the United States during the twentieth century, both popular and classical, with a special interest in the 1950s. He serves as Assistant Professor, Music History and Literature at the University of Delaware. If You Go: World Cafe Live Philadelphia presents Serafin String Quartet Serafin String Quartet Upcoming Concert: Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2017-2018 season schedule. Journey from Old to New, East to West with Serafin String Quartet on April 14 at World Cafe Live (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) March 19, 2018 - World Cafe Live presents Serafin String Quartet on Saturday, April 14, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. in Philadelphia. The Quartet will be joined by narrator Philip Gentry to present “Journeys from Old to New, East to West.” The interactive program features four pairings of works around the following themes: The Father of the Quartet and his student, works by Haydn and Beethoven; The Romantics, works by Mendelssohn and Puccini; Looking to the East, works by Dohnanyi and Shostakovich; and Welcome to America!, works by Higdon and Still. Dr. Gentry will intersperse readings throughout the program offering historical insights into the works and composers. Philip Gentry is a musicologist specializing in the history of music and politics in the United States during the twentieth century, both popular and classical, with a special interest in the 1950s. He serves as Assistant Professor, Music History and Literature at the University of Delaware. If You Go: World Cafe Live Philadelphia presents Serafin String Quartet Serafin String Quartet Upcoming Concert: Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2017-2018 season schedule. Serafin String Quartet Performs One of Chamber Music Repertoire’s Best-Kept Secrets at the University of Delaware on March 20 (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) February 28, 2018 - Serafin String Quartet will be joined by pianist Julie Coucheron and violinist Hal Grossman for a performance of Chausson Concerto in D Major for Violin, Piano and String Quartet, Op. 21 on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at 8:00 p.m. in UD’s Gore Recital Hall. The French composer Chausson enjoyed major success with the premiere of this work, referred to as one of the chamber music repertoire’s best-kept secrets, in 1892. The program also includes Mendelssohn e minor Op. 44, No. 2, a work filled with infectious energy and elegant lyricism.
Serafin String Quartet violinist Kate Ransom reunites with long-time friend and highly acclaimed violinist Hal Grossman. The two musicians studied violin performance together at the University of Michigan and have shared the stage on numerous occasions over the years. Mr. Grossman is Associate Professor of Violin at The University of Oklahoma and on the violin faculty at the Aria International Summer Academy. At twenty-seven years of age, Julie Coucheron has established an international music career, winning prizes in Italy, Germany and in the United States. Born in Oslo, Norway, Ms. Coucheron started playing the piano at the age of four. She earned her bachelor’s and master's degrees from the Royal Academy of Music in London. If you go: University of Delaware presents Serafin String Quartet Serafin String Quartet Upcoming Concerts: Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2017-2018 season schedule. Serafin String Quartet Announces Venue Change for January 29 Concert (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) January 23, 2018 - Serafin String Quartet announces its concert on Monday, January 29 at 7:00 p.m. has been moved to the Kennedy House located at 1901 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pa. The event is private but friends of the Quartet are invited to attend. The change in venue is the result of a decision made by the presenter, The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. The concert repertoire features Haydn String Quartet in G Minor, Op. 74, No.3 “Horseman,” the ‘galloping’ finale theme has given rise to its nickname; Still Danzas de Panama for string quartetMendelssohn e minor Op. 44, No. 2, a work filled with infectious energy and elegant lyricism. If you go: Serafin String Quartet at the Kennedy House Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2017-2018 season schedule. Serafin String Quartet Announces Florida Concerts in February (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) January 12, 2018 - Hailed for "silken finesse and gritty vibrancy" by Gramophone Magazine, Serafin String Quartet (SSQ) brings its vibrant sound to Florida in February. The Delaware-based Quartet will perform at the University of South Florida (Tampa) on February 15 at 7:30 p.m. and at Music at St. Paul’s (Delray) on February 18 at 3:00 p.m. Serafin violinist Kate Ransom reunites with long-time colleague and friend, pianist Roberta Rust, on February 18. The two musicians met in the 1990s at The Harid Conservatory of Music (now the Conservatory of Music at Lynn University) where Ms. Ransom served as founding director and Ms. Rust served as artist faculty. Ms. Ransom and Ms. Rust have shared the stage on numerous occasions over the years, both in collaborations of duos and other chamber works. “I am thrilled to have the chance to play one of the most ravishingly romantic piano quintets in the repertoire— the Dvorak Quintet—with the Serafin String Quartet,” comments Roberta Rust. “It will be an inspiring and memorable experience.” The Florida repertoire features:
SERAFIN STRING QUARTET FLORIDA CONCERT DETAILS Thursday, February 15, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2017-2018 season schedule. Serafin String Quartet Announces Time Change to 4:00 p.m. for January 20 Concert at the University of Tulsa (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) January 4, 2018 - Serafin String Quartet announces a NEW start time of 4:00 p.m. for its upcoming concert at the University of Tulsa on Saturday, January 20. The Quartet travels to Oklahoma this month for a concert tour featuring performances at From the Edge Chamber Music Series (Norman) on January 18 at 7:00 p.m.; Oklahoma State University (Stillwater) on January 19 at 7:30 p.m.; and University of Tulsa (Tulsa) on January 20 at 4:00 p.m., where the Serafins will also present a master class. Serafin String Quartet violinist Kate Ransom reunites with long time friends, pianist Stephanie Shames and violinist Hal Grossman, for a performance of Chausson Concerto in D Major for Violin, Piano and String Quartet, Op. 21 on January 18. The French composer enjoyed major success with the premiere of this work, referred to as one of the chamber music repertoire’s best-kept secrets, in 1892. Other tour repertoire includes Haydn String Quartet in G Minor, Op. 74, No.3 "Horseman," the ‘galloping’ finale theme has given rise to its nickname; Still Danzas de Panama for string quartet, a delightful set of four movements each drawing from the colorful dance styles from Panama, Central America and Africa; and Mendelssohn e minor Op. 44, No. 2, a work filled with infectious energy and elegant lyricism. SERAFIN STRING QUARTET OKLAHOMA CONCERT DETAILS Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 19, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2017-2018 season schedule. The College of Physicians of Philadelphia presents Serafin String Quartet (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) December 21, 2017 - Hailed for "silken finesse and gritty vibrancy" by Gramophone Magazine, Serafin String Quartet brings its unique sound to The College of Physicians of Philadelphia on Monday, January 29, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. The Quartet’s highly acclaimed Naxos recording, named Top 10 Classical Albums of 2013 by Philadelphia’s City Paper, features early chamber works by Grammy and Pulitzer Prize award-winning composer Jennifer Higdon. "It is always a special opportunity for us to play for our local Philadelphia area audience and we are bringing to that occasion a mix of standard and less familiar works,” comments Serafin violinist Kate Ransom. “These works are all masterful, colorful, and full of vitality. We feel this program offers something for everyone.” The concert repertoire features Haydn String Quartet in G Minor, Op. 74, No.3 “Horseman,” the ‘galloping’ finale theme has given rise to its nickname; Still Danzas de Panama for string quartet, a delightful set of four movements each drawing from the colorful dance styles from Panama, Central America and Africa; and Mendelssohn e minor Op. 44, No. 2, a work filled with infectious energy and elegant lyricism. If you go: The College of Physicians of Philadelphia presents Serafin String Quartet Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2017-2018 season schedule. Serafin String Quartet Announces Oklahoma Concert Tour in January (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) November 30, 2017 - Hailed for "silken finesse and gritty vibrancy" by Gramophone Magazine, Serafin String Quartet brings its unique sound to Oklahoma in January 2018. The Delaware-based Quartet will perform at From the Edge Chamber Music Series (Norman) on January 18 at 7:00 p.m.; Oklahoma State University (Stillwater) on January 19 at 7:30 p.m.; and University of Tulsa (Tulsa) on January 20 at 7:30 p.m., where the Serafins will also present a master class. Serafin String Quartet will be joined by pianist Stephanie Shames and violinist Hal Grossman for a performance of Chausson Concerto in D Major for Violin, Piano and String Quartet, Op. 21 on January 18. The French composer enjoyed major success with the premiere of this work, referred to as one of the chamber music repertoire’s best-kept secrets, in 1892.Other tour repertoire includes Haydn String Quartet in G Minor, Op. 74, No.3 "Horseman," the ‘galloping’ finale theme has given rise to its nickname; Still Danzas de Panama for string quartet, a delightful set of four movements each drawing from the colorful dance styles from Panama, Central America and Africa; and Mendelssohn e minor Op. 44, No. 2, a work filled with infectious energy and elegant lyricism. SERAFIN STRING QUARTET OKLAHOMA CONCERT DETAILS Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 19, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2017-2018 season schedule. The University of Delaware presents Serafin String Quartet on November 28 at 8:00 p.m. (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) November 9, 2017 - The University of Delaware presents Serafin String Quartet on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. In addition to formal appearances, the Serafins coach chamber groups, host master classes and collaborate with faculty in their role as Quartet in Residence at the university. The concert program features:
If you go: University of Delaware presents Serafin String Quartet Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2017-2018 season schedule. The Arts at Trinity presents Serafin String Quartet on October 7 at 7:30 p.m. (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) September 27, 2017 - Serafin String Quartet returns to The Arts at Trinity to open its seventh season on October 7, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. The popular community series offers free music, literature, drama and visual arts events in downtown Wilmington. The concert features Haydn String Quartet in G Minor, Op. 74, No.3 “Horseman,” the ‘galloping’ finale theme has given rise to its nickname; Still Danzas de Panama for string quartet, a delightful set of four movements each drawing from the colorful dance styles from Panama, Central America and Africa; and Mendelssohn e minor Op. 44, No.2., a work filled with infectious energy and elegant lyricism. If you go: The Arts at Trinity presents Serafin String Quartet Upcoming Serafin String Quartet Concerts University of Delaware presents Serafin String Quartet Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2017-2018 season schedule. University of Delaware presents Blair String Quartet and Serafin String Quartet on September 28 (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) September 7, 2017 - The University of Delaware presents Blair String Quartet, of Vanderbilt University, and Serafin String Quartet on Thursday, September 28 at 8:00 p.m. The collaborative performance will complete an exchange partnership between the two Quartets, which began at Vanderbilt University in April 2017. The Quartets share close ties through Serafin violinist Kate Ransom and Blair violinist Cornelia Heard, who studied together through high school at the Blair Academy, precursor of Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music. As students, the accomplished violinists held successive positions as concertmaster of the Nashville Youth Symphony, and both soloed with the youth orchestra. Both Ms. Ransom and Ms. Heard are alumni of the University School of Nashville, which awarded Ms. Ransom it's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008. In addition, Serafin cellist Lawrence Stomberg and Blair cellist Felix Wang first met at the Interlochen Music Camp in the 1980s. The concert will open with performances of Dvořák String Quartet in E flat, Op. 51 and Jalbert Icefield Sonnets by Blair String Quartet, then the Quartet will be joined by Serafin String Quartet for a performance of Mendelssohn Octet for Strings. Called a “a marvelous ensemble,” by The Washington Post, the Blair String Quartet has been widely acclaimed in performances across the country, including appearances at the Library of Congress, the Kennedy Center, New York’s 92nd Street Y and Merkin Concert Hall. The Blair String Quartet is in residence at the Blair School of Music of Vanderbilt University. If You Go: University of Delaware presents Blair String Quartet and Serafin String Quartet Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2017-2018 season schedule. Serafin String Quartet Returns to Milton Theatre on September 22 (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) August 23, 2017 - The critically acclaimed Serafin String Quartet returns to the Milton Theatre on Friday, September 22 at 8:00 p.m. The Quartet will perform Haydn String Quartet in G Minor, Op. 74, No. 3 “Horseman,” the most famous among Haydn’s six quartets of 1793, whose ‘galloping’ finale theme has given rise to its nickname; and Mendelssohn String Quartet in E Minor, Op. 44, No. 2, a work filled with infectious energy and elegant lyricism. Hailed for "silken finesse and gritty vibrancy" by Gramophone Magazine and for "playing with style and sophistication" by The Strad Magazine, Serafin String Quartet debuted at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in 2004 and has consistently received ovations from audiences around the nation. The Quartet returned to Weill Recital Hall in March 2016 to perform the New York premieres of works by composer Julia Adolphe. The Serafin’s 2017-18 season includes performances in NY, PA, FL, OK, and DE. If You Go: Milton Theatre presents Serafin String Quartet Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2017-2018 season schedule. Serafin String Quartet Previews 2017-2018 Season (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) July 28, 2017 - Serafin String Quartet announces key performances dates for the 2017-2018 season in New York, Philadelphia, Oklahoma and Florida in addition to regional venues. Based in Delaware, the highly acclaimed Quartet debuted at Carnegie Hall in 2004 and has consistently been sought after for performances around the nation. The Serafins add first time appearances at Music at the Gate (Queens, N.Y.), From The Edge Music Series (Norman, Okla.), College of Physicians (Philadelphia, Pa.) and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Delray, Fla.). The Quartet will also return to local series, including Milton Theatre, The Arts at Trinity, World Cafe Live (Philadelphia), and University of Delaware, where the Quartet serves as Quartet in Residence. Serafin String Quartet collaborates in an exchange partnership with Blair String Quartet of Vanderbilt University, featuring master classes and a joint performance at University of Delaware in the fall. The Serafins will perform with other notable artists including Roberta Rust, pianist, (in Fla.); Stephanie Shames, pianist, and Hal Grossman, violinist, (in Okla.); and Julie Coucheron, pianist, and Hal Grossman, violinist (in Del.). The Quartet will share a wide variety of repertoire with audiences in the coming season including works by Barber, Beethoven, Brahms, Chausson, Dvorak, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Shostakovich, Sibelius and Still. Serafin String Quartet Key Performance Dates 2017-2018 Music at the Gate presents SSQ | September 9, 2017 | 7:00 p.m. Premier Centre for the Arts presents SSQ | September 22, 2017 | 8:00 p.m. University of Delaware presents Blair String Quartet and SSQ | September 28, 2017 | 8:00 p.m. The Arts at Trinity presents SSQ | October 7, 2017 | 7:30 p.m. University of Delaware presents SSQ | November 28, 2017 | 8:00 p.m. From The Edge Chamber Music Series presents SSQ with pianist Stephanie Shames & violinist Hal Grossman | January 18, 2018 | 7:00 p.m. The College of Physicians of Philadelphia presents SSQ | January 29, 2018 | 7:00 p.m. St. Paul's Episcopal Church presents SSQ with pianist Roberta Rust | February 18, 2018 | 3:00 p.m. University of Delaware presents SSQ with pianist Julie Coucheron and violinist Hal Grossman | March 20, 2018 | 8:00 p.m. World Cafe Live presents SSQ | April 14, 2018 | 8:00 p.m. The Arts at Trinity presents SSQ | May 19, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2017-2018 season schedule. Music at the Gate presents Serafin String Quartet on Saturday, September 9 at 7:00 p.m. (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) July 10, 2017 - Music at the Gate concert series presents Serafin String Quartet on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary Gate of Heaven Church in Queens, NY. Following critical acclaim for their Naxos recording, named Top 10 Classical Albums of 2013 by Philadelphia’s City Paper, the Delaware-based Serafin String Quartet has been sought after for performances around the nation. Currently Quartet in Residence at the University of Delaware, the Quartet’s eclectic programming spans the entire quartet output and winning performance style never fails to please an audience. The concert features Jennifer Higdon’s Amazing Grace, (originally written in 1998 for choir and later adapted for string quartet by the composer) which taps the vocal attributes of the String Quartet in a setting of one of the most recognized and cherished American folk tunes; Samuel Barber’s Adagio for string quartet in b minor, Op. 11, one of the most recognized and beloved pieces of American music from the twentieth century; William Grant Still’s Danzas de Panama for string quartet, (from SSQ's debut recording - Centaur Records 2010) is a delightful set of four movements each drawing from the colorful dance styles from Panama, Central America and Africa; and Felix Mendelssohn’s String Quartet in e minor, Op.44, No.2, a work filled with infectious energy and lyricism. The free Music at the Gate concert series features live music events dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the community.
If you go: Music at the Gate presents Serafin String Quartet Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2017-2018 season schedule. The Arts at Trinity presents Serafin String Quartet with pianist Hugh Sung (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) April 27, 2017 - The Arts at Trinity presents Serafin String Quartet, joined by highly acclaimed pianist Hugh Sung, for the final concert of the 2016-2017 season on Saturday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m. The Serafins will perform String Quartet in F Major, K. 590 - the last of Mozart’s quartets, written in 1790, a year before he died. The quartet, often referred to as a “Prussian” quartet, was composed for the King of Prussia, Friedrich Wilhelm II. Hugh Sung will join the Quartet for Dvorak Piano Quintet - an audience pleasing, "rip roaring" masterwork that is a staple of the piano/string repertoire. It represents Dvorak's inimitable, folk-derived classical style; bold, characterful rhythmic figures that make one want to dance; and colorful harmonies and bright voicing that add to the overall energy of the piece. Hailed as one of the finest collaborative pianists of his generation, Hugh Sung is also co-founder of AirTurn, a company that designs digital pedals for musicians who use tablets to read and perform music. Lawrence Stomberg, Serafin cellist, and Sung have maintained a friendship since their first performance together in the 1990s at the Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival in Maine..
 Pianist Hugh Sung When: Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Trinity Episcopal Church, 1108 North Adams Street, Wilmington, DE Details: Featuring Mozart String Quartet in F Major, K. 590 and Dvorak Piano Quintet Tickets: Free (donations appreciated) - The Arts at Trinity is a free community arts series, sponsored by Jackson ImmunoResearch Laboratories, Inc. www.theartsattrinity.org Other Serafin String Quartet Concerts in May: Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. - Cokesbury Concert Series presents Serafin String Quartet Friday, May 26 at 8:00 p.m. - Premier Centre for the Arts presents Serafin String Quartet Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2016-2017 season schedule. Serafin String Quartet returns to Premier Centre for the Arts at Milton Theatre on May 26 at 8pm (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) April 19, 2017 - The highly acclaimed Serafin String Quartet returns to the Premier Centre for the Arts on Friday, May 26 at 8:00pm. The program features Beethoven String Quartet in C Major, Op. 59, No. 3, the "third Razumovsky" quartet was one of three written for the Russian count and is famed for its virtuoso last movement, and Mozart String Quartet in F Major, K. 590, written for the King of Prussia, an enthusiastic amateur cellist. Located in historic Milton Delaware, The Milton Theatre prides itself in offering an array of live show offerings featuring local, regional, and national acts. If you go: Premier Centre for the Arts presents Serafin String Quartet Upcoming Serafin String Quartet Concerts in May: Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2016-2017 season schedule. University of Delaware Changes Location for 4/26 Concert to Mitchell Hall (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) April 13, 2017 - The University of Delaware has changed the location of the April 26 concert featuring UD visiting guest artist, Calidore String Quartet, and UD's Quartet in Residence, Serafin String Quartet, to Mitchell Hall. The concert is part of UD's Mendelssohn Festival featuring the complete works for string quartet by the celebrated German composer, from April 24-26, and culminating on Wednesday, April 26, with an 8 p.m. performance of the composer's electrifying Octet for Strings by Calidore and Serafin Quartets. All April 26 concertgoers are invited to the pre-concert lecture with noted Mendelssohn scholar Marian Wilson Kimber, associate professor at the University of Iowa. Serafin cellist and UD faculty member Lawrence Stomberg told the UD Daily, "The collaboration with the Calidore String Quartet will further enhance the chamber music experience for our string students in the Department of Music. In addition to the students' ongoing work with Serafin String Quartet, they will get to work with this wonderful ensemble in coaching and master classes, gaining new and varied insights into chamber music practice and performance." University of Delaware presents Mendelssohn Festival Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2016-2017 season schedule. Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University presents Serafin String Quartet and Blair String Quartet (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) March 23, 2017 - The Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University will present Serafin String Quartet and Blair String Quartet in a joint performance on April 7, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. The collaborative performance is part of an exchange partnership between the two Quartets and culminates a week of master classes led by Serafin String Quartet at Vanderbilt University. In the fall of 2017, the Blair String Quartet will visit the University of Delaware, where the Serafin String Quartet serves as Quartet in Residence, for similar activities. The Quartets share close ties through Serafin founding violinist, Kate Ransom, who grew up in Nashville, and Blair String Quartet violinist, Cornelia Heard. Both musicians studied together through high school at the Blair Academy, precursor of Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music. As students, the accomplished violinists held successive positions as concertmaster of the Nashville Youth Symphony, and both soloed with the youth orchestra. Kate Ransom's first professional job, at age 16, was as the youngest member of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. Both Ms. Ransom and Ms. Heard are alumni of the University School of Nashville, which awarded Ms. Ransom it's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008. The concert program features the Serafins playing quartets by Haydn (Op. 77#1 in G Major) and Mendelssohn (Op. 44#1 in D Major), and they will join the Blair String Quartet on the second half of the program for Mendelssohn's famed Octet for Strings. The Blair School is committed to providing superior musical instruction to pre-collegiate and adult students in the environs of Nashville, Tennessee; stimulating classroom and studio instruction to collegiate music majors and minors; and, to the students of Vanderbilt University at large, an array of academically rigorous, culturally enriching courses appropriate to one of the nations' leading institutions of higher learning. If you go: Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University presents Serafin String Quartet and
Blair String Quartet Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2016-2017 season schedule. The University of Delaware presents Serafin String Quartet with pianist Julie Nishimura (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) February 13, 2017 - The University of Delaware presents Serafin String Quartet with pianist, Julie Nishimura on March 7, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. The concert program features Beethoven String Quartet in C Major, Op. 59#3, the "third Razumovsky" quartet was one of three written for the Russian count and is famed for its virtuoso last movement - a large scale fugue that opens with the Viola stating the lively theme, and Brahms Piano Quintet, described as the pinnacle work for the string quartet and piano ensemble configuration - a masterful monument that is both profound and sublime. Serafin String Quartet serves as the University of Delaware’s Quartet in Residence, where they perform concerts, present master classes, coach student chamber groups, and, most recently, host string events/ workshops. UD’s Department of Music is dedicated to the musical growth of its students and the cultural enrichment of the community, offering a range of music majors and minors and presenting a variety of public performances. If you go: The University of Delaware presents Serafin String Quartet Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2016-2017 season schedule. University of Delaware Hosts String Workshop with Free Public Events (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) January 11, 2017 - On Saturday, January 21 and Sunday, January 22, the University of Delaware presents its first Invitational String Workshop with Serafin String Quartet and special guest Steven Tenenbom, violist of the Orion String Quartet and Artist-Faculty at the Curtis Institute of Music and the Juilliard School. This is the first string workshop at UD, designed by Serafin String Quartet with support from the University's Music Department, where the Serafins serve as Quartet in Residence. A dozen string players have been selected by audition to participate in the all-scholarship weekend of master classes, chamber music coachings and performances. The participants include an undergraduate string quartet from the University of Oklahoma, as well as high school and college students from Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Hampshire and China. Select workshop events will be open to the public, free of charge. The events include several master classes and closing concert, see below for event details. The closing concert on Sunday will give all the participants a chance to perform in solo and small ensemble performances, and all together in a selection for unconducted chamber orchestra which they will prepare together over the weekend. Awards will be given to selected "top" participants at the closing concert, in recognition of exceptional performance level demonstrated over the weekend. University of Delaware String Workshop Public Events Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2016-2017 season schedule. Conductors Guild presents Serafin String Quartet at Drexel University on January 12, 2017 (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) December 16, 2016 - The Conductors Guild will present Serafin String Quartet at its 2017 National Conference at Drexel University on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. Drexel University hosts the annual conference on January 11-14, 2017 in Philadelphia. Serafin String Quartet will perform Samuel Barber's (born and raised in West Chester, PA and a Curtis Institute of Music alumnus) Adagio for Strings - one of the most recognized and beloved pieces of American music from the twentieth century; Joseph Haydn's G Major String Quartet - lively Viennese-style melodies that pay homage to Handel and his Baroque style; and Felix Mendelssohn's D Major String Quartet - an invigorating work known for its energy, beauty and charm. In addition to a performance by Serafin String Quartet, the conference also includes evening performances by Philadelphia Orchestra at the Kimmel Center on January 13 and 14, 2017. The Conductors Guild is a non-profit organization representing more than 1,200 conductors from across the world. If you go: Conductors Guild presents Serafin String Quartet at Drexel University Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2016-2017 season schedule. Serafin String Quartet Announces String Workshop and Concerts at Universities in DE and PA (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) December 6, 2016 - Serafin String Quartet announces upcoming events at regional universities including a concert on December 14, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. and an all-scholarship String Workshop on January 20-22, 2017 at the University of Delaware, where they serve Quartet in Residence. The Quartet will also perform at Drexel University in Philadelphia on January 12, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. Please see below for more event details. The University of Delaware presents Serafin String Quartet Drexel University presents Serafin String Quartet University of Delaware hosts an all-scholarship String Workshop Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2016-2017 season schedule. Serafin String Quartet October and November Concert Dates in DE and PA (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) October 7, 2016 - Serafin String Quartet announces upcoming concert dates in October and November at venues in Delaware and Pennsylvania. Please see below event details. Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. - Anthony G. Simmons Scholarship Fund Benefit Concert Friday, November 4, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. - Dover Public Library In Harmony Concert Series presents
Serafin String Quartet Sunday, November 6, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. - Wesley Enhanced Senior Living presents Serafin String Quartet Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. - The University of Delaware presents Serafin String Quartet Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2016-2017 season schedule. Serafin String Quartet Opens Season at The Arts at Trinity (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) September 21, 2016 - Following a successful return to Carnegie Hall earlier this year, Serafin String Quartet (SSQ) opens the 2016-2017 season at The Arts at Trinity on October 1, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. The concert features the Quartet's first public performance with new violist Sheila Browne. The program includes Dvorak's String Quartet in G Major Op. 106 - a beautiful and challenging work with Czech influences; Puccini’s Il Crisantemi (Chrysanthemums) for String Quartet - a dark-hued and powerful movement; and Beethoven's String Quartet in C Minor 18#4 - one of the famed composer’s early quartets with a dramatic flair. If you go: The Arts at Trinity presents Serafin String Quartet Upcoming Serafin String Quartet Concerts Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. - Anthony G. Simmons Scholarship Fund Benefit Concert Friday, November 4, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. - Dover Public Library In Harmony Concert Series presents
Serafin String Quartet Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. - The University of Delaware presents Serafin String Quartet Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2016-2017 season schedule. Serafin String Quartet Announces Upcoming Performance Dates (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) September 7, 2016 - Following a successful return to Carnegie Hall earlier this year, the highly acclaimed Serafin String Quartet (SSQ) announces upcoming performance dates at regional venues. The Serafins kick-off the 2016-2017 season at The Arts at Trinity on October 1, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. - their first public performance with new violist Sheila Browne. SSQ will perform concerts and present master classes at the University of Delaware, where the Quartet was recently reappointed as Quartet in Residence for a three year term. This season’s repertoire features works by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Dvorak, Haydn, Mozart, Shostakovich, Brahms, Wolf and Puccini. Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. - The Arts at Trinity presents Serafin String Quartet Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. - Anthony G. Simmons Scholarship Fund Benefit Concert Friday, November 4, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. - Dover Public Library In Harmony Concert Series presents
Serafin String Quartet Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. - The University of Delaware presents Serafin String Quartet Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2016-2017 season schedule. Serafin String Quartet Welcomes Violist Sheila Browne (Click here for a printable version of this release)
Sheila Browne has also been named the new viola professor at University of Delaware's Department of Music. She joins both the University and the Quartet from her position at University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where she has been on the faculty for ten years. Hailed by The New York Times as a "stylish player," Browne is an accomplished soloist, chamber musician, professor and orchestral principal. She received a Naumburg scholarship and a Bachelor of Music degree at the Juilliard School, where she was famed pedagogue Karen Tuttle's teaching assistant for four years. Click here for Browne's full biography. Serafin String Quartet's 2016-2017 repertoire includes works by Beethoven, Dvorak, Mendelssohn, Puccini, Shostakovich and Haydn, as well as the Piano Quintet of Johannes Brahms, for which they will be joined by pianist Julie Nishimura. SSQ has recently been re-appointed for a three-year term as Quartet in Residence at the University of Delaware. They will perform at the University's Gore Recital Hall in November and March. In addition, the Quartet will open and close the series at The Arts at Trinity in Wilmington in October and May, and will play at The Music School of Delaware in October. Please visit www.serafinquartet.org for the complete 2016-2017 season performance schedule. Journey to Old Baghdad of the Arabian Nights with Serafin String Quartet at the Premier Center for the Arts on April 15 (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, DE) April 1, 2016 - Concertgoers will travel with Serafin String Quartet back in time and across the oceans to old Baghdad of the Arabian Nights in their newest collage concert, Arabian Nights, Kismet! and the Magic of Borodin, at the Premier Center for the Arts on Friday, April 15 at 8:00pm. Follow princes, beggars, magicians, maidens and maids through the course of a day that will transform all their fates. With love, fortune and identity all at stake, what is their destiny? What is their KISMET? The story is woven into Alexander Borodin’s String Quartet No. 2. Guest actor Danny Peak, co-founder of Distant Voices Touring Theatre, joins the Serafins in upcoming performances of Arabian Nights, Kismet! and the Magic of BorodinM. The themed concert features a collage of musical works interspersed with an original script of stories narrated by local actor Peak. If you go: Premier Center for the Arts presents Serafin String Quartet Friday, April 15 at 8:00pm Upcoming Serafin String Quartet Concerts in April
World Cafe Live at the Queen presents Serafin String Quartet Tuesday, April 12 at 7:30pm Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 7:30pm Journey to Old Baghdad of the Arabian Nights with Serafin String Quartet at World Cafe Live at the Queen on April 9 (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, DE) April 1, 2016 - Concertgoers will travel with Serafin String Quartet back in time and across the oceans to old Baghdad of the Arabian Nights in their newest collage concert, Arabian Nights, Kismet! and the Magic of Borodin, at the World Cafe Live at the Queen on Saturday, April 9 at 7:00pm. Follow princes, beggars, magicians, maidens and maids through the course of a day that will transform all their fates. With love, fortune and identity all at stake, what is their destiny? What is their KISMET? The story is woven into Alexander Borodin’s String Quartet No. 2. Guest actor Danny Peak, co-founder of Distant Voices Touring Theatre, joins the Serafins in upcoming performances of Arabian Nights, Kismet! and the Magic of BorodinM. The themed concert features a collage of musical works interspersed with an original script of stories narrated by local actor Peak. If you go: World Cafe Live at the Queen presents Serafin String Quartet Saturday, April 9 at 7:00pm Upcoming Serafin String Quartet Concerts in April Tuesday, April 12 at 7:30pm Friday, April 15, 2016 at 8:00pm Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 7:30pm World Cafe Live at the Queen, Premier Center for the Arts, and The Arts at Trinity present Serafin String Quartet in April (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, DE) March 8, 2016 - Serafin String Quartet announces concerts in Delaware and Pennsylvania in April. The Quartet will return to World Cafe Live at the Queen (April 9), Crosslands Concert Series (April 12) and The Arts at Trinity (April 30). On April 15, the Serafins travel to Milton, Del. for their first performance at the Premier Center for the Arts. Concert repertoire includes new collage concert Kismet! and the Magic of Borodin, in addition to works by Beethoven and Mozart. Journey with the Serafins back in time and across the oceans to old Baghdad of the Arabian Nights in their newest collage concert, Kismet! and the Magic of Borodin. Follow princes, beggars, magicians, maidens and maids through the course of a day that will transform all their fates. With love, fortune and identity all at stake, what is their destiny? What is their KISMET? The story is woven into Alexander Borodin's String Quartet No. 2. Saturday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 12 at 7:30pm Friday, April 15, 2016 at 8:00pm Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 7:30pm Serafin String Quartet February Concerts in Delaware (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, DE) February 1, 2016 - Serafin String Quartet will perform two local concerts in February at the University of Delaware on Tuesday, February 16 at 8:00 p.m. and at The Music School of Delaware on Wednesday, February 17 at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. The Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek presents Serafin String Quartet (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, DE) January 7, 2016 - The Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek is pleased to present Serafin String Quartet as part of the Kaleidoscope Concert Series on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. The highly acclaimed Quartet will perform works by composers Shostakovich, Grieg, Borodin, and Julia Adolphe. The concert is free, a $20 donation is suggested. All proceeds benefit the Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek. The Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek presents the Kaleidoscope Concert Series, a series of high-quality, professional concerts featuring local musicians, with an eye for diversity in genre and style. For more information please visit www.uusmc.org. If You Go: Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek Presents Serafin String Quartet Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 1:30pm Marco Island Center for the Arts Presents Serafin String Quartet (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, DE) November 17, 2015 - The Marco Island Center for the Arts presents Serafin String Quartet in a performance on Thursday, January 21 at 5:30 p.m. The Quartet's recent recording on Naxos was named "Top 10 Classical Albums of 2013" by Philadelphia's City Paper, and the Delaware-based Serafin String Quartet is sought after for performances around the nation. The concert features quartets by Shostakovich and Grieg as well as the Florida premiere of two short pieces for quartet, Veil of Leaves and Between the Accidental, by noted young composer Julia Adolphe. Adolphe's current commissions include a viola concerto for the New York Philharmonic and Principal Viola Cynthia Phelps. The Serafins share Adolphe's passion for exploring new works, and for expanding the musical conversation through the ages. The two brief works reveal her potential as a masterful string quartet composer. Veil of Leaves presents contrasting themes, and rich, earthy and dark sonorities contrasted by rhythmic exuberance and light harmonics. Between the Accidental juxtaposes highly dissonant sonorities with modal melodies. The program also includes Dimitri Shostakovich String Quartet #3, a brilliant example of the composer's knack for conveying emotion, irony, character and sonic diversity. The program closes with Edvard Grieg String Quartet Op. 27, the only complete string quartet from this great Norwegian composer. Grieg offers the listener a romantic display echoing the vigor and joy of life and love, while also dancing with death and the darker side of human experience.If You Go: Marco Island Center for the Arts presents Serafin String Quartet Thursday, January 21 at 5:30pm Serafin String Quartet Announces Concert at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in 2016 (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, DE) November 9, 2015 - The highly acclaimed, Delaware-based Serafin String Quartet announces a performance at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City on March 14, 2016, presented by Legato Arts. The Quartet's prior performances in Weill Recital Hall include their debut in 2004 and a sold-out return in 2006. The concert features the New York premiere of two short pieces for quartet, Veil of Leaves and Between the Accidental, by noted young composer Julia Adolphe, along with works by Shostakovich and Grieg. Adolphe's current commissions include a viola concerto for the New York Philharmonic and Principal Viola Cynthia Phelps. The Serafins share Adolphe's passion for exploring new works, and for expanding the musical conversation through the ages. While many of Adolphe's aesthetic elements are time-honored, she ventures into atmospheric tonal worlds through the use of extended techniques, tonalities and sonic devices. The two brief works reveal her potential as a masterful string quartet composer. Veil of Leaves presents contrasting themes, and rich, earthy and dark sonorities contrasted by rhythmic exuberance and light harmonics. Between the Accidental juxtaposes highly dissonant sonorities with modal melodies. The program also includes Dimitri Shostakovich String Quartet #3, a brilliant example of the composer's knack for conveying emotion, irony, character and sonic diversity. The program closes with Edvard Grieg String Quartet Op. 27, the only complete string quartet from this great Norwegian composer. Grieg offers the listener a romantic display echoing the vigor and joy of life and love, while also dancing with death and the darker side of human experience. If You Go: Serafin String Quartet at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall presented by Legato Arts Serafin String Quartet Opens Season with Concerts at University of Delaware and Cabrini College (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, DE) September 10, 2015 - The highly acclaimed Serafin String Quartet kicks off its 2015-2016 season with performances at the University of Delaware and Cabrini College in September. Recently featured in the July issue of Strings Magazine for innovation in concert programming, SSQ will present engaging and collaborative programs this month. September 19, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. - University of Delaware Faculty Gala Concert September 20, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. - Cabrini College presents Serafin String Quartet September 21, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. - University of Delaware presents Serafin String Quartet Strings Magazine Features Serafin String Quartet Innovative Concert Programming (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, DE) September 2, 2015 - Strings Magazine interviewed Serafin String Quartet violist Esme Allen-Creighton about her recent workshop "Beyond the Family Concert," presented at the 2015 American String Teachers Association conference. Allen-Creighton offers key insights on how the Serafins are rethinking the concert experience with their innovative and engaging programming. "We don't want people to feel like they're in a classroom," Allen-Creighton says. "We want to show, not tell. We're performing for people who want engage with a piece in a really experiential way." The Quartet takes sections of a piece and associates them with some kind of literary reference or motive. For example, the Serafins paired Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Jennifer Higdon's "Amazing Grace" with historical documents written by the lyrics' author, slave-trader-turned-abolitionist John Newton. Allen-Creighton is quick to note that Serafin's efforts are part of a broader movement. "More and more classical groups are trying to break down divisions between their art form and what a modern audience wants and expects," she says. The common thread is finding new ways to reach people who may have only a passing familiarity with classical music. "You don't have to have been studying the piano for 20 years," she says. "Here's an entry point. We want to invite you in." Please visit www.allthingsstrings.com for the complete article from the July 2015 issue of Strings Magazine. Serafin String Quartet September Concert Dates September 19, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday September 20, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. September 21, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. Cabrini College Presents Serafin String Quartet on September 20 at 3:00 p.m. (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, DE) September 1, 2015 - Cabrini College presents Serafin String Quartet for a free performance on Sunday, September 20 at 3:00 p.m. Following recent critical acclaim for their recent recording (Naxos 2013), named Top 10 Classical Albums of 2013 by Philadelphia's City Paper, the Delaware-based Serafin String Quartet has received ovations by audiences around the nation. The concert program will feature Panamanian Dances by William Grant Still from the Quartet's debut recording (Centaur Records 2010), a delightful set of four movements each drawing from the colorful dance styles from Panama, Central America and Africa; String Quartet No. 6 by Bela Bartok, a deeply expressive and emotional string quartet composed in 1939 at the beginning of World War II; and String Quartet in G Minor by Edvard Grieg, a behind the scenes tour of Norway’s most celebrated composer. Cabrini College presents performances from renowned musicians and the Cabrini Chorus to art exhibitions and student theatre productions. Cabrini prides itself in being an integral part of the arts in the local community. Admission is free, and all are welcome. If You Go: Cabrini College presents Serafin String Quartet Sunday September 20, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. Serafin String Quartet Announces 2015-2016 Season Performances (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) July 29, 2015 - The highly acclaimed, Delaware-based Serafin String Quartet announces key performance dates for the 2015-2016 season in Washington, D.C., Delaware, Pennsylvania, Florida and New York. The Quartet will return to Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City on March 14, 2016 to perform the New York premiere of works by noted young composer Julia Adolphe, along with works by Shostakovich and Grieg. The Quartet's debut was in Weill Recital Hall in 2004 and they returned to play to a sold-out crowd in 2006. The Quartet adds first time appearances scheduled at the 43rd Annual National Flute Association Convention (Washington, D.C.), Cabrini College (Radnor, PA) and the Marco Island Center for the Arts (Marco Island, FL). The Serafins will also present local appearances at the University of Delaware, The Arts at Trinity, The Music School of Delaware and Crosslands Concert Series. This season's repertoire features works by new composers Julia Adolphe and Cynthia Folio, as well as string masterworks by Bartok, Beethoven, Borodin, Brahms, Grieg, Mozart, Shostakovich and Still. In addition, the Quartet will collaborate with several guest artists including Eileen Grycky, Jill Felber and Claudia Anderson, flutes; Douglas Mapp, double bass; and Jeffrey O'Donnell, oboe. Serafin String Quartet continues its role as Quartet in Residence at University of Delaware which includes public performances, student coaching, chamber music master classes, and collaboration with faculty. Serafin String Quartet Performance Highlights 2015-2016
Serafin String Quartet Announces Performances in August and September (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) July 14, 2015 - Serafin String Quartet will make a special guest appearance at the 43rd Annual National Flute Association Convention on Thursday, August 13, at 10:00 a.m. at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, D.C. The Quartet, along with flutists Claudia Anderson and Jill Felber, and bassist Douglas Mapp, will perform Winds for Change by composer and flutist Cynthia Folio. In September, Serafin String Quartet, University of Delaware's Quartet in Residence, will perform at the University of Delaware's Faculty Gala Concert on Saturday, September 19 at 8:00 p.m. in Mitchell Hall. The annual gala will kickoff the 2015-2016 academic year with performances by select UD faculty artists. Cabrini College presents Serafin String Quartet on Sunday, September 20 at 3:00 p.m. The program features Panamanian Dances by William Grant Still (Centaur Records 2010), a delightful set of four movements each drawing from the colorful dance styles from Panama, Central America and Africa; String Quartet No. 6 by Bela Bartok, a deeply expressive and emotional string quartet composed in 1939 at the beginning of World War II; and String Quartet in G Minor by Edvard Grieg, a behind the scenes tour of Norway's most celebrated composer. On Monday, September 21 at 8:00 p.m., University of Delaware presents Serafin String Quartet, joined by UD faculty artists Eileen Grycky, flute, and Jeffrey O'Donnell, oboe, as well as special guest artists Jill Felber and Claudia Anderson, flutes, and Douglas Mapp, double bass, in an exciting collaborative program featuring Mozart Flute Quartet in D Major, Oboe Quartet; Cynthia Folio Winds for Change; and Brahms String Quartet in c minor, Op. 51, No. 1. If You Go: Serafin String Quartet August and September Performances August 13, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. September 19, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. September 20, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. September 21, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. Serafin String Quartet Opens 34th Annual Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) June 16, 2015 - The Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival opens its 34th season with two special performances featuring Serafin String Quartet on June 28 and 29, 2015 at the Bascom Center for the Visual Arts in Highlands, NC. Concertgoers will enjoy American-themed evenings of music and art featuring the delightful sounds of the Serafins performing works by American classical composers from the dawn of "American classical music style" in the mid 1800's, to today. Works by Foote, Chadwick, Still and Gershwin are complemented by those of the present-day Pulitzer and Grammy award-winning composer, Jennifer Higdon, resulting in an eclectic and satisfying music experience for listeners. "This is the Serafins' second guest artist visit to this popular festival and we are delighted to return," comments Serafin violinist and longtime individual festival artist, Kate Ransom, "We especially enjoy the opportunity to journey with the audience into this special pairing of art and music!" In addition to the concerts at Bascom Center, Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival will present a free informal chamber concert featuring Serafin String Quart on Tuesday, June 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Buck's Coffee Café in Highlands. For the past thirty-three concert seasons, the renowned Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival has established a worldwide reputation for standards of excellence in classical programming. The festival's commitment to chamber music has enriched the creative traditions of Highlands, Cashiers and the Western Carolina mountains. If You Go: Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival Sunday, June 28, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. Monday, June 29 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 30 at 7:30 p.m. Serafin String Quartet Announces May Concerts (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) April 9, 2015 - Serafin String Quartet returns to The Arts at Trinity on Saturday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. for a concert featuring works by Grieg, Chadwick, Foote, and Bartok. The program features compositional styles that derive their distinction from the use of nationalist and folk idioms from Norway, America and Hungary. The Arts at Trinity is a free community arts series launched in 2011 that presents multi-genre arts performances at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wilmington. The series is generously underwritten by Jackson ImmunoResearch. Also in May, Sundays at 3 presents Serafin String Quartet in Columbia, Md. on Sunday, May 17 at 3:00 p.m. The program will include works by Haydn, Bartok and Grieg. The program spans from the great "originator" of the string quartet, Franz Josef Haydn, through the highly romantic and distinctively "Nordic" style of the preeminent Norwegian, Edvard Grieg, to the modernist, Bela Bartok, who based his "new vernacular" on folk idioms of his native Hungary. Sundays at 3 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting chamber music played by the finest professional talent in the Baltimore-Washington area. Serafin String Quartet May Concerts Saturday, May 9, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 17, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. Serafin String Quartet March Concerts at The Arts at Trinity and Mauch Chunk Opera House (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) February 24, 2015 - Serafin String Quartet will perform at The Arts at Trinity on Saturday, March 21 and Mauch Chunk Opera House on Sunday, March 22. The Quartet returns to The Arts at Trinity for a concert featuring works by Beethoven and Schubert. Beethoven's late quartet, Op. 135, and Schubert's "Death and the Maiden" are monuments of the quartet repertoire, and each will make up one half of the program. The Arts at Trinity is a free community arts series launched in 2011 that presents multi-genre arts performances at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wilmington. The series is generously underwritten by Jackson ImmunoResearch. The Serafin Quartet travels to Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe, Pa. for a concert titled "Nordic Journey" with Conrad Erb, guest narrator. The program offers a behind the scenes tour of Norway's most celebrated composer, Edvard Grieg, whose use of Norwegian folk music in his compositions gained international recognition for Norway. The Quartet will perform Grieg Quartet in g minor interspersed with readings of the epic adventure tale of Peer Gynt by Grieg's Norwegian compatriot, Henrik Ibsen. Serafin String Quartet March Concerts Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 22 at 3:00 p.m. University of Delaware presents Quartet in Residence Serafin String Quartet (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) January 26, 2015 - The University of Delaware presents Serafin String Quartet on Sunday, February 15, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. in Gore Recital Hall. As University of Delaware's Quartet in Residence, the Quartet's responsibilities include performing on and off campus, coaching university and pre-college students, offering chamber music master classes, and collaborating with faculty. The February program will feature Haydn String Quartet in d minor, Op. 76, No. 2 "Fifths," known for the falling perfect fifths at the start of the work; g Minor String Quartet by Edvard Grieg, Norway's most celebrated composer whose use of Norwegian folk music in his compositions gained international recognition for Norway; and "Sabina" from "Companion Guide to Rome," by Andrew Norman. Norman, a finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize in music, is an active orchestral composer who joined Opera Philadelphia as composer in residence in 2013. Following recent critical acclaim for their Naxos (2013) recording, named Top 10 Classical Albums of 2013 by Philadelphia's City Paper, the Delaware-based Serafin String Quartet has been sought after for performances around the nation. The Quartet's eclectic programming spans the entire range of quartet repertoire (from Haydn to Higdon) and their winning performance style never fails to please an audience.
If you go: Serafin String Quartet Concert Christ Church of Easton Presents Serafin String Quartet (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) January 21, 2015 - Christ Church of Easton Concert Series presents Serafin String Quartet for a free performance on Sunday, February 22, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. at the Academy Art Museum in Easton, Md. Following recent critical acclaim for their Naxos (2013) recording, named Top 10 Classical Albums of 2013 by Philadelphia's City Paper, the Delaware-based Serafin String Quartet has been sought after for performances around the nation. Currently Quartet in Residence at the University of Delaware, the Quartet's eclectic programming spans the entire quartet output and their winning performance style never fails to please an audience. The concert program features Haydn String Quartet in d minor, Op. 76, No. 2 "Fifths" and Grieg g minor String Quartet. Haydn's Op. 76 quartets are among the composer's most ambitious chamber works and quartet No. 2 is known for the falling perfect fifths at the start of the work. The program also features music by Norway's most celebrated composer and pianist, Edvard Grieg. Grieg's use of Norwegian folk music in his compositions gained international recognition for Norway.
If you go: Serafin String Quartet Concert Mauch Chunk Opera House presents Serafin String Quartet (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) October 16, 2014 - Mauch Chunk Opera House will present Serafin String Quartet on Sunday, November 16 at 3:00 p.m. Following recent critical acclaim for their Naxos (2013) recording, named Top 10 Classical Albums of 2013 by Philadelphia's City Paper, the Delaware-based Serafin String Quartet has received ovations by audiences around the nation. The November 16 concert will feature Andrew Norman's "Sabina" from his "Companion Guide to Rome," a finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize in music. Norman joined Opera Philadelphia as composer in residence in 2013. The program also includes Mozart d minor Quartet, K.421 and Debussy g minor Quartet. Located in Jim Thorpe, Pa., Mauch Chunk Opera House has been noted in National Geographic Traveler for superb acoustics. Built in 1881, the venue seats 400 and offers a diverse performance schedule including folk, rock, classical, and jazz. The Opera House is located in the heart of Jim Thorpe's historic district, close by to pubs, restaurants, lodging and shops.
If you go: Serafin String Quartet Concert Serafin String Quartet November Concerts (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) October 15, 2014 - Serafin String Quartet will perform November concerts at Delaware and Pennsylvania venues including Kennett Flash, University of Delaware, Archmere Academy, Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe, Pa., and The Music School of Delaware. Wednesday, November 5 at 7:30pm Friday, November 7 at 8:00pm Sunday, November 9 at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 16 at 3:00 p.m. Music Masters: Spirit of the Season - A Thank You Concert Members of Serafin String Quartet will perform Schumann Piano Quartet in Eb Major with guest pianist Read Gainsford. The program also includes Peter Schickele's Little Suite for Autumn for violin and viola and Romanza for Four Violas by Christopher Lowry. Serafin Quartet members will collaborate with Music School faculty members Shelley Beard, viola; Nina Cottman, viola; and special guest Marka Stepper, viola. Proceeds benefit financial aid scholarships and the Anthony G. Simmons Scholarship Fund at The Music School of Delaware. The Music School of Delaware, Wilmington Branch, 4101 Washington Street, Wilmington, DE 19802 Tickets: $10 adults; $5 seniors & students, call 302-762-1132 to purchase or visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/858884. Goucher College Presents Serafin String Quartet (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) October 7, 2014 - Goucher College presents Serafin String Quartet for a free performance on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. Following recent critical acclaim for their Naxos (2013) recording, named Top 10 Classical Albums of 2013 by Philadelphia's City Paper, the Delaware-based Serafin String Quartet has ovations by audiences around the nation. Currently Quartet in Residence at the University of Delaware, the Quartet includes former Goucher College faculty member violinist Lisa Vaupel. The concert program features Janáček Quartet #2 "Intimate Letters," a manifesto on love based on hundreds of love letters between the composer and Kamila Stösslová, the woman who captured his heart, and also includes Mozart Quartet in d minor, K. 421 and Debussy Quartet in g minor, Op. 10.
If You Go: Serafin String Quartet Concert Serafin String Quartet Releases 2014-2015 Season Schedule (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) August 27, 2014 - On the heels of the recent critical acclaim for their Naxos and Centaur recordings, Serafin String Quartet announces a busy season in 2014-15, including performances around the nation. This year's repertoire includes works by Grieg, Janacek, Beethoven, Schumann, Schubert, Mozart, Haydn and Andrew Norman, 2013 Opera Philadelphia composer in residence. Serafin String Quartet will perform locally at the University of Delaware, World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, Kennett Flash, The Arts at Trinity, and The Music School of Delaware. Regionally, the Serafins will travel for concerts at Goucher College in Maryland, Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe, Pa., Christ Church of Easton, Md., and Sundays at Three in Columbia, Md. In addition, the Quartet has been selected to present at the American String Teachers Association conference in Salt Lake City, Utah in March and to perform two concerts at Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival in June. The Quartet continues its role as Quartet in Residence at University of Delaware which includes public performances, student coaching, chamber music master classes, and collaboration with faculty. Serafin String Quartet Performance Dates for 2014-2015
Kennett Flash Presents "Sip and Savor with the Serafins" Concert Series on Wednesday Evenings (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) August 4, 2014 - Kennett Flash presents Serafin String Quartet in a concert series titled "Sip and Savor with the Serafins" on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. The one-hour themed collage concerts each explore one major work, the composer's influence, style and characteristic flavor, while also sharing examples from other works and commentary from the Quartet. The series opens on September 24 with "French Connection" featuring Debussy Quartet in g minor with samples from composers Grieg and Janacek. The audience will savor the sounds of the quintessential "French style" of Debussy, along with a few sample "sips" of similar works. On November 5, the Quartet presents "Nordic Journey" offering a behind the scenes tour of Norway's most celebrated composer, Edvard Grieg. Distinctive Norwegian idioms accent this friendly and exciting work. The final concert on December 3 titled "Viennese Classical Roots" features Mozart Quartet in d minor with samples from Haydn and Beethoven. This program explores how the roots of classicism, as evident in Haydn and Mozart, may not really be so far away from the intensity and emotion more often identified with "Romanticism." "Kennett Flash is a perfect venue for these more laid back and engaging listening experiences," comments Serafin violinist, Lisa Vaupel. "Concertgoers can bring their own bottle of wine, order a bite to eat, and "sip and savor" some refreshment as they enjoy the music program." Kennett Flash is a project of Historic Kennett Square, a non-profit 501(c)3, whose mission is to actively support and enrich community vitality and pride to help preserve the historic district and small town atmosphere, to promote economic and positive, productive relationships within Kennett Square and the surrounding townships. "Sip and Savor with the Serafins" Serafin String Quartet Concert "Intimate Letters" at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia on September 14 (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) July 23, 2014 - Serafin String Quartet returns to World Cafe Live in Philadelphia on Sunday, September 14, 2014 at 1:00 p.m for a collage concert titled "Intimate Letters." A century ago, tormented by the fires of unrequited love, composer Leos Janacek penned hundreds of letters to the indifferent object of his affection. Eventually he spilled his emotion onto pages of a string quartet, titled "Intimate Letters." Join Serafin String Quartet as they explore these two languages of passion: the words and music of love, obsession, beauty and fantasy - combining the music of composers with stories and poetry from the dawn of Romanticism to today. In addition to selections from Janacek's "Intimate Letters," the Quartet will present Andrew Norman's "Sabina" from his "Companion Guide to Rome," a finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize in music. Norman, an active orchestral composer, joined Opera Philadelphia as composer in residence in 2013. Also featured will be movements from works by Haydn (D Minor, Op. 76#2), Debussy (Quartet in G Minor), Grieg (G Minor, Op. 27), and Mozart (d Minor, K.421). Serafin String Quartet "Intimate Letters" Serafin String Quartet Performs Concerts in April at University of Delaware, The Arts at Trinity and The Music School of Delaware (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) March 27, 2014 - Delaware-based Serafin String Quartet will perform several concerts at local venues during the month of April. The Quartet will collaborate with a number of acclaimed special guests for performances at the University of Delaware, The Arts At Trinity and The Music School of Delaware. Sunday, April 7, 2014 at 8pm - The University of Delaware (RESCHEDULED) Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. - The Arts at Trinity Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at 7:00pm - The Music School of Delaware Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 8:00pm - The University of Delaware (rescheduled from April 9) Serafin String Quartet March Concerts: University of Delaware on March 2, The Music School of Delaware on March 26 (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) February 22, 2014 - The University of Delaware presents Quartet-in-Residence Serafin String Quartet on Sunday, March 2 at 8:00 p.m. The Quartet will be joined by UD Department of Music Artist Faculty Eileen Grycky, flute; Christopher Nichols, clarinet; Julie Nishimura, piano; and Anne Sullivan, harp for a wonderful evening of chamber music. The program features Ravel's effervescent Introduction and Allegro, Schumann's beloved Piano Quintet in Eb, Op. 44 Major, and Debussy's String Quartet in g minor, Op. 10. Also in March, Serafin String Quartet will perform in a Friends and Family concert along with William Ransom, piano, Julie Nishimura, piano, and John David Smith, horn at The Music School of Delaware on Wednesday, March 26 at 7:00 p.m. The concert features Arensky Piano Trio No. 1 in d minor, Op. 32, Brahms Horn Trio, Op. 40, and Dvorák Terzetto in C Major, Op. 74, for two violins and viola. Sunday, March 2, 2014 at 8pm - The University of Delaware Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at 7:00pm - The Music School of Delaware Coming Up: Serafin String Quartet April Concerts: Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at 8:00pm - The University of Delaware Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. - The Arts at Trinity Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at 7:00pm - The Music School of Delaware Serafin String Quartet CD Named Top 10 Classical Albums of 2013 (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) January 2, 2014 - Serafin String Quartet's newest recording, released by Naxos Records on July 30, 2013, was named Top 10 Classical Albums of 2013 by Philadelphia's City Paper. The disc, listed as number 5 of the 10 best classical albums for the year, is an "excellently performed selection of early works by Philly's own Jennifer Higdon (written before her Grammy and Pulitzer). She has a distinctive and direct voice, even as she experiments with different styles." The new Serafin CD has been hailed for its "silken finesse and gritty vibrancy" by Gramophone Magazine, "an outstanding release and one worth adding to your Higdon collection" by Fanfare Magazine and "spot-on intonation, attention to rhythmic detail, superb sense of phrasing, and rich ensemble sound result in technically accomplished glowing accounts" by Classical Lost and Found. Serafin String Quartet's features world première recordings of Jennifer Higdon's earlier chamber music. The String Trio for violin, viola, cello (1988) was written while Higdon was a developing young composer, and the influences of Prokofiev and Copland can be heard in the Sonata for Viola and Piano (1990). The beauty and immensity of the Western US sky was the inspiration for Sky Quartet (string quartet, 1997, rev 2001), while Dark Wood for violin, cello, bassoon and piano (2001) explores the soulful and virtuoso character of the bassoon. Amazing Grace (originally written in 1998 for choir and later adapted for string quartet by the composer) taps the vocal attributes of the String Quartet in a setting of one of the most recognized and cherished American folk tunes. Collaborative artists are pianist Charles Abramovic and bassoonist Eric Stomberg. Serafin String Quartet's recordings are available for purchase at international retailers including Amazon.com and iTunes. Serafin String Quartet Announces January Concerts at The Arts at Trinity and Kennett Flash (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) December 9, 2013 - Serafin String Quartet kicks off the new year with two Delaware Valley concerts in January. Enjoying positive acclaim for their recent recording released by Naxos, the Quartet returns to The Arts at Trinity on Saturday, January 11 at 7:30 p.m. The free concert will feature works by Debussy, Mendelssohn and Wolf. Debussy's only String Quartet is beloved by audiences for its drama and stunning sensual beauty, and encompasses exotic sounds and rhythms of Java, Spain, and the Far East, and has become emblematic of "french musical style." Mendelssohn's Eb Quartet (written when he was just 20 years old) was inspired by Beethoven in the year Mendelssohn decided to devote his life to music. And Hugo Wolf's Italian Serenade is a light and prancing romp that pays homage to a land of warmth and sunny spirits. Kennett Flash presents Serafin String Quartet on Sunday, January 19 at 2:00 p.m. performing collage concert "Musical Passport to Many Lands." The themed concert features an around the world "musical tour" with stops in France, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Russia, China and the U.S., including selections by Mozart, Shostakovich, Dvorak, and Higdon. The Serafins will provide remarks during the concert offering concertgoers, both newcomers to classical music and seasoned chamber music fans, a unique perspective into the works and composers. Serafin String Quartet January Concerts: Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. - The Arts at Trinity Sunday, January 19, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. - Kennett Flash Serafin String Quartet and Jennifer Higdon Celebrate CD Release at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) September 6, 2013 - Serafin String Quartet and award-winning composer Jennifer Higdon will celebrate their Naxos CD release at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia on Sunday, September 29 at 7:30 p.m. The event will include a "season preview" performance by Serafin String Quartet, a complimentary reception and remarks by the Quartet and Higdon about the project. The highly anticipated CD, now in full international release, features the world premiere recordings of Higdon's early chamber works. Higdon comments on the recording project, "To have the chance to revisit these older works, and examine them through the prism of time passed, in the context of how I write now, has been surprising and enjoyable. I am grateful for the hard work and innate musical gift that these musicians (Serafin String Quartet) have shared in putting this disc together. In short I am inspired by their enthusiasm and conviction."
Serafin String Quartet Returns to World Cafe Live at the Queen for a Musical Passport to Many Lands (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) September 3, 2013 - Serafin String Quartet returns to World Cafe Live at the Queen on Saturday, September 21 at 12pm for a brunch-time concert titled "Musical Passport to Many Lands." The one-hour themed concert will feature an around the world musical tour with stops in France, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Russia, China and the U.S., including selections by Mozart, Shostakovich, Dvorak, and Higdon. The Serafins will provide insightful remarks of the selections offering concertgoers a unique perspective into the music and composers. Bring your smartphones! Concertgoers are encouraged to bring their smartphones to follow @Serafin4tet on Twitter for additional comments during the performance by cellist Larry Stomberg. Stomberg, who was recently interviewed by Strad Magazine for his unique use of social media to engage with audiences, sent is first tweet from the stage during the Quartet's series of collage concerts at the Queen in 2011-2012.
Serafin String Quartet Previews 2013-2014 Season (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) July 22, 2013 - Serafin String Quartet announces key concert dates and events for the upcoming 2013-2014 season including the Naxos release on July 30 of the Quartet's world premiere recording early works by award-winning composer Jennifer Higdon; concerts at both World Cafe Live in Wilmington and Philadelphia in September; and continuation as Ensemble in Residence at the University of Delaware which includes public performances, student coaching, chamber music master classes, and collaboration with faculty. This fall also marks the first public performances by the Quartet with new violinist, Lisa Vaupel, who began working with the Serafins in May 2013. Vaupel, a noted ensemble player and experienced chamber musician, was awarded the 2010 Albert Beekhuis Award by the Delaware Symphony for performance excellence and service. Serafin String Quartet Dates 2013-2014
Naxos to Release New Serafin String Quartet Higdon Recording Available July 2 (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) June 30, 2013 - Naxos will release Serafin String Quartet's newest recording in digital format on July 2, 2013. The disc features early chamber works by Grammy and Pulitzer Prize award-winning composer Jennifer Higdon who's "vibrant and individual voice" (Limelight Magazine) can be heard in chamber works on this recording. The complete disc will be released in European markets in early July, in Asian markets in mid-July and in North American markets on July 30, 2013. Customers may preorder the recording on now Amazon or iTunes. For its debut recording on the Naxos label, the Quartet selected works one of the most performed living American composers. This recording provides a unique opportunity to hear première recordings of Higdon's earlier chamber music. The String Trio for violin, viola, cello (1988) was written while Higdon was a developing young composer, and the influences of Prokofiev and Copland can be heard in the Sonata for Viola and Piano (1990). The beauty and immensity of the Western US sky was the inspiration for Sky Quartet (string quartet, 1997, rev 2001), while Dark Wood for violin, cello, bassoon and piano (2001) explores the soulful and virtuoso character of the bassoon. Amazing Grace (originally written in 1998 for choir and later adapted for string quartet by the composer) taps the vocal attributes of the String Quartet in a setting of one of the most recognized and cherished American folk tunes. Collaborative artists are pianist Charles Abramovic and bassoonist Eric Stomberg. Serafin String Quartet initiated its discography and recording output with a debut release on the Centaur label in fall 2010. Their debut disc received high praise in The Strad Magazine (2010) and American Record Guide (2011). Significant recording projects remain an important part of the Quartet's artistic activity. The Serafins aspire to present recorded material that reflects the quality of their own artistic output and their philosophical commitment to the works of living composers, as well as time-tested masterworks, through both performance and recording projects. Serafin String Quartet Is Joined By Noted Violinist Lisa Vaupel (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) June 19, 2013 - Serafin String Quartet names Lisa Vaupel as the Quartet's new permanent violinist. Ms. Vaupel was selected following a year-long, nationwide search, and joins current members Kate Ransom, violin; Lawrence Stomberg, cello; and Esme Allen-Creighton, viola. The Serafins are Quartet in Residence at the University of Delaware. Ms. Vaupel's first public appearances with the Quartet will be in September - on Saturday, September 7 at the University of Delaware's Gala, and then on Saturday, September 21 at World Cafe Live at The Queen for a noontime concert titled "Musical Passport to Many Lands."Lisa Vaupel brings to her new role as violinist with Serafin String Quartet extensive experience as chamber musician and orchestral player. Winner of the 2010 Delaware Symphony's Albert Beekhuis Award, she serves as Principal Second Violin of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra and Associate Concertmaster of Opera Delaware. Ms. Vaupel plays regularly with Opera Company of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra, and is featured as a guest artist on the World Cafe's Live Connections Bridges programs. Devoted to working with young musicians and young audiences, Ms. Vaupel serves as Teaching Artist for the Philadelphia Orchestra's School Partnership Program and is a faculty member at Goucher College. She received her Bachelor of Music degree with High Distinction from Indiana University, Bloomington, and earned her Master of Music degree from the Peabody Conservatory. "Our work with Lisa is already underway. She is a wonderful addition to the Quartet in all respects and we have been energized by her enthusiasm and excitement about the future together," comments Serafin cellist Lawrence Stomberg. "Playing with a Quartet of this caliber has been a lifelong aspiration for me," says Lisa Vaupel. "We have just begun our work but I already feel the inspiration and commitment of these tremendous musicians."Serafin String Quartet Announces Release Date for Second Recording (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) May 15, 2013 - Serafin String Quartet's newest recording will be released by Naxos on July 25, 2013. The recording features the early chamber works by Grammy and Pulitzer prize-winning composer Jennifer Higdon, who comments, "I am inspired by this amazing CD. What performances - just stunning! The pieces sound even better than they did in my head! Bravo to Serafin!" The disc includes Higdon's Sky Quartet (string quartet, 1997, rev 2001); Amazing Grace (originally written in 1998 for choir and later adapted for string quartet by the composer); String Trio for violin, viola, cello (1988); Sonata for Viola and Piano (1990); and Dark Wood for violin, cello, bassoon and piano (2001). Pianist Charles Abramovic and bassoonist Eric Stomberg are the collaborative artists for this project. The recording provides exposure to a broader scope of works by Jennifer Higdon and will help ensure that her excellent early works are not neglected. The new release adds to the discography of Higdon's works, helping to more fully inform the interested listener about the scope of her compositional development. "Jennifer Higdon is one of the most significant present-day American composers. Her early works are filled with the promise of her creative ability and compositional skill," says Serafin violinist, Kate Ransom. "One can hear in these early works a tremendous amount of heart as well as excellent craft." Serafin String Quartet, initiated its discography and recording output with a debut release on the Centaur label in fall 2010. Their debut disc received high praise in The Strad Magazine (2010) and American Record Guide (2011). Significant recording projects remain an important part of the Quartet's artistic activity. The Serafins aspire to present recorded material that reflects the quality of their own artistic output and their philosophical commitment to the works of living composers, as well as time-tested masterworks, through both performance and recording projects. Grammy award-winning composer, Jennifer Higdon (b. 1962 and presently based in Philadelphia) recently received the Pulitzer Prize for her Violin Concerto and is one of the most-performed living American composers working today. Along with being a Grammy winner, she has also been the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Pew Fellowship and two awards from the American Academy of Arts & Letters. Commissions have come from a wide range of performers: from the Philadelphia Orchestra to The President's Own Marine Band; from the Tokyo String Quartet to violinist Hilary Hahn and the new music ensemble, eighth blackbird. She makes her living from commissions and serves as composer-in-residence with various orchestras throughout the country. Serafin String Quartet Returns to The Arts at Trinity (Click here for a printable version of this release) (Wilmington, Del.) April 8, 2013 - The Arts at Trinity presents Serafin String Quartet on Saturday, April 20 to close their 2012-2013 season. The Serafins will be joined by University of Delaware piano faculty artist Julie Nishimura. A frequent collaborator with the Quartet, Nishimura is a much sought-after collaborative pianist with an extensive and impressive performance record. The program features "Song of Palestine Variations" and "Estampe" from Lou Harrison's String Quartet Set. "Variations" draws on Middle and Far Eastern sounds with extensive uses of percussion effects. "Estampe" is a play between the French work estampie and the English word stampede. The Quartet and Nishimura will perform Mozart's Piano Quartet in g minor, often considered the first major piece composed for piano quartet in the chamber music repertoire. The concert will close with the Serafins performing Schumann's String Quartet a minor Op. 41 #1, written in 1842 during Schumann's "year of chamber music" and dedicated to Mendelssohn. The Arts at Trinity is a free community arts series launched in 2011 that presents multi-genre arts performances of music, visual arts and drama at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wilmington. The series is generously underwritten by Jackson ImmunoResearch Laboratories, Inc.
University of Delaware Presents Serafin String Quartet (Click here for a printable version of this release) (NEWARK, DEL.) March 4, 2013 - The University of Delaware will present Serafin String Quartet in its annual Quartet in Residence concert in Gore Recital Hall on Sunday, March 10 at 3:00 p.m. The program will feature Beethoven's Op. 132, Haydn's Bb "Sunrise" Op. 76 #4, and Respighi's Il Tramonto (The Sunset) for voice and string quartet. The Quartet will be joined by UD faculty artist Noel Archambeault, soprano. The program spans a musical journey from "sunrise" to "sunset" in the works of Haydn and Respighi. Beethoven's late quartet in A minor, Op. 132, chronicles his experience of recovery from an illness that took him to death's door. Listeners are invited to traverse the dramatic emotional landscape from dark to light, health to convalescence, and blossoming and fading. Serafin String Quartet is in its third year as Quartet in Residence at the University of Delaware. In this role, the Quartet coaches student chamber ensembles, presents master classes and lectures, works collaboratively with UD faculty artists, and performs formal and informal concerts.
Serafin String Quartet Remembers Violist in Concert (Click here for a printable version of this release) (WILMINGTON, DEL.) February 12, 2013 - Serafin String Quartet will perform in an annual tribute to former Serafin violist Anthony "Tony" Simmons in a memorial concert on Wednesday, February 27 at 7pm at The Music School of Delaware. Simmons, a founding member of the Quartet, was tragically killed in a car accident on February 24, 2005 at the age of 38. The concert memorializes Tony and benefits the Anthony G. Simmons Scholarship Fund which provides financial aid for needy students of the Music School. Fellow founding quartet member, Kate Ransom, who is also president of the Music School, said, "Were it not for Tony Simmons there would likely have been no Serafin String Quartet. His love of chamber music and of collaboration were formative for the Quartet. He brought similar devotion to his many students." Simmons served on the faculty The Music School of Delaware (as did his wife, Marka) and at Settlement Music School in Philadelphia. He was violist for numerous orchestras and chamber ensembles in the Mid-Atlantic region, including the Delaware and Harrisburg Symphony Orchestras and Relache. He toured Japan and recorded with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
Serafin String Quartet Opens the Arts at Trinity Community Series (Click here for a printable version of this release) (WILMINGTON, DEL.) September 24, 2012 - Serafin String Quartet opens The Arts at Trinity's 2012-2013 season on Saturday, October 20, 2012. This marks violist, Esme Allen-Creighton's premiere performance as the Quartet's new permanent violist. Allen-Creighton is a Juilliard graduate, doctoral candidate at the University of Montreal and Viola Professor at the University of Delaware. The Quartet will be joined in this concert by acclaimed pianist Victor Santiago Asuncion. A native of the Philippines, Asuncion performs as solo and collaborative artist around the world, and serves as piano professor and director of collaborative studies at University of Memphis, in Tennessee. He has been noted as a pianist of innate musical sensitivity, fiery temperament and superb technique. The program will include string quartets by Beethoven and Mozart and the youthfully exuberant Quintet for Piano and Strings by Dohnanyi. "Joining Serafin Quartet has been an exhilarating experience for me," says Allen-Creighton. "My quartet colleagues are not only exemplary and experienced musicians, but also musical explorers. Together we dig into the depths of the music and share that with our listeners." Quartet founding violinist Kate Ransom comments, "Esme has brought a great esprit to the quartet. She is an exquisitely trained Juilliard musician and has boundless curiosity about how to get the music to speak to the listener. Collaborating with artists of her caliber, and internationally acclaimed pianists like Victor Asuncion, is a thrilling experience!" The Arts at Trinity is a free community arts series launched in 2011 that presents multi-genre arts performances of music, visual arts and drama at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wilmington.
Serafin String Quartet Previews 2012-2013 Season (Click here for a printable version of this release) (WILMINGTON, DEL.) August 23, 2012 - Serafin String Quartet's upcoming season will feature the addition of new violist Esme Allen-Creighton; continuation in the role of Ensemble in Residence at the University of Delaware; collaborations with outstanding guest artists; a visiting residency to Dickinson College; and a calendar of varied concerts. The Serafins will open the 2012-2013 season at Kennett Flash on September 22, 2012. The themed concert, titled "Quartet Time Machine - From Haydn to Higdon," will feature a collage of short selections by various composers through music history from the 1700s to today. Kennett Flash is a project of Historic Kennett Square, a non-profit 501(c)3, whose mission is to actively support and enrich community vitality. Serafin String Quartet will return to The Arts at Trinity to open and close the 2012-2013 season with concerts on October 20, 2012 and April 20, 2013. The concerts will include performances with guest pianists Victor Santiago Asuncion and Julie Nishimura. The Arts at Trinity is a free community arts series launched in 2011 that presents multi-genre arts performances of music, visual arts and drama at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wilmington. Also during this 2012-2013 season, Serafin String Quartet anticipates the release of their next recording on the Naxos label featuring the early chamber works by Jennifer Higdon. Cellist Larry Stomberg adds, "The release will certainly punctuate our year showing a different side of Serafin and an interesting reflection on the early style of a great living composer." Serafin String Quartet Announces New Violist Esme Allen-Creighton (Click here for a printable version of this release) (WILMINGTON, DEL.) July 27, 2012 - Serafin String Quartet announces Esme Allen-Creighton will join the Quartet as the new permanent violist. Ms. Allen-Creighton is a Juilliard graduate, doctoral candidate at the University of Montreal and Viola Professor at University of Delaware. She is a winner of the Flora Matheson Goulden String Prize and the 2006 Viola congress Canadian Music Competition. Ms. Allen-Creighton will begin her public appearances with the Quartet in October 2012. Founding Quartet violinist, Kate Ransom comments, "In Esme, we believe we have found a truly compatible partner ready to participate fully in Quartet life with SSQ. She is a brilliant woman of high musical and intellectual capacities and is fearless in her approach to interchange and music-making. We are greatly pleased that she is joining us!" Serafin String Quartet at Kennett Flash (Click here for a printable version of this release) (WILMINGTON, DEL.) July 11, 2012 - Kennett Flash presents Serafin String Quartet in a concert titled Quartet Time Machine - From Haydn to Higdon on September 22, 2012. The themed program is a collage of short selections by various composers through music history. Concertgoers will travel through time from the 1700s, featuring works by Joseph Haydn - one of the most prolific and prominent composers of the classical period, to today, featuring works by Philadelphia's 2010 Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award-winning composer Jennifer Higdon. As the Quartet travels through time, remarks by the musicians will provide a behind-the-scenes perspective into the music and composers. Listeners are encouraged to bring their smart phones to participate by following Serafin4tet on Twitter! The interactive concert offers an engaging atmosphere for the audience to experience traditional and new music in a non-traditional format. "We're really excited to be playing the Flash," comments Larry Stomberg, cellist. "It's a wonderful intimate venue and perfect location for Serafin String Quartet's blast through music history." Kennett Flash is a project of Historic Kennett Square, a non-profit 501(c)3, whose mission is to actively support and enrich community vitality and pride to help preserve the historic district and small town atmosphere, to promote economic and positive, productive relationships within Kennett Square and the surrounding townships.
Serafin Quartet Celebrates National Chamber Music Month (Click here for a printable version of this release) (WILMINGTON, DEL.) April 18, 2012 - Serafin String Quartet will join thousands of musicians and hundreds of concert presenters across the country this May in celebrating National Chamber Music Month. The Quartet will participate in the month-long music celebration by designating concerts on May 4, in New York City, and May 8, in Wilmington, Del., as National Chamber Music Month events. National Chamber Music Month is a nationwide initiative to raise public awareness of the many styles of small ensemble music performed and presented today. The month-long series of performances, residencies, pre- and post-concert discussions, and other chamber music events will showcase ensemble music of all styles, including early, classical, jazz, and world music. Chamber Music America defines chamber music as works for small ensembles of 2-10 members, playing one to a part and generally performing without a conductor. Chamber Music America (CMA), the national service organization for ensemble music professionals and the organizer of National Chamber Music Month, has invited its membership of more than 6,000 music professionals to participate in this first-time-ever endeavor. ""Chamber music is a vibrant and diverse field," said Margaret M. Lioi, CEO of Chamber Music America. "It includes contemporary music, jazz, world music, European classical, and styles that draw from all of these. National Chamber Music Month will showcase the richness of chamber music through performances in urban and rural areas across the country, and we are thrilled that so many presenters and ensembles are participating." For Serafin String Quartet National Chamber Music Month Concerts, please check our Calendar. For information on other performances taking place across the country during National Chamber Music Month, visit www.chamber-music.org. Serafin String Quartet Performs NY Premiere Performance at WMP Concert Hall features the New York premiere of Jennifer Higdon's Sky Quartet (Click here for a printable version of this release) (WILMINGTON, DEL.) April 9, 2012 - Serafin String Quartet will be joined by Steven Tenenbom, violist of the Orion String Quartet, for a performance at New York City's WMP Concert Hall on Friday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. The concert will feature the New York premiere of Jennifer Higdon's Sky Quartet, included on the Serafins' second recording scheduled for release by Naxos in early 2013, in addition to Ravel Quartet and Brahms Viola Quintet in G Major, Op.111. Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award-winning composer Jennifer Higdon comments in the program notes for the Sky Quartet: When I began composing "Sky Quartet", I envisioned the wonder and immensity of the Western sky. Every time I've been west of the Mississippi, I've always marveled at that exquisite canvas of blue and clouds. This work paints musical portraits of the sky in various stages: start of a day, the rapture of its "blueness", a storm-wrenched fury, and its vast immensity. Sky Quartet was composed in 1997, and revised in 2000. WMP Concert Hall is a non-profit organization promoting performance of classical music & today's music. Tickets for the Serafin String Quartet concert on May 4th are available by emailing admin@wmpconcerthall.com or by calling at 212-582-7536. Serafin String Quartet Returns to World Cafe Live at the Queen (Click here for a printable version of this release) (WILMINGTON, DEL.) February 20, 2012 - LiveConnections presents Serafin String Quartet in a ClassicAlive! event at World Cafe Live at the Queen. The Serafins will perform a Collage Concert titled An American Tapestry on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at noon (doors open for seating and brunch at 11:00 a.m.). An American Tapestry will feature works by Dvorak, Barber, Still, Gershwin and Jennifer Higdon, the Delaware Symphony Orchestra's 2012 A.I. du Pont Award. The Serafins will offer interesting and informative commentary from the stage presenting a unique and interactive musical experience. World Cafe Live at the Queen will offer an a la carte brunch menu prior to and during the Collage Concert. Concert tickets are $20, $15 with student ID; purchase online at queen.worldcafelive.com or by calling 302-994-1400. Serafin String Quartet Returns to World Cafe Live at the Queen (Click here for a printable version of this release) (WILMINGTON, DEL.) January 11, 2012 - LiveConnections presents Serafin String Quartet in a ClassicAlive! event at World Cafe Live at the Queen. The Serafins will perform a "Collage Concert" titled Romp Through Romanticism on Sunday, February 5, 2012 at noon (doors open for seating and brunch at 11:00 a.m.). Romp Through Romanticism will feature works by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Ravel and Dvorak. The Serafins will offer interesting and informative commentary from the stage presenting a unique and interactive musical experience. ClassicAlive!, LiveConnections' newest venture, breaks the boundaries of how classical music is experienced by highlighting first-rate artists in a fun and intimate setting, mixing food, drink and audience interaction amidst inspiring music. The Collage Concert is designed to appeal to the new classical listener looking to experience the music in a multi-faceted way, as well as to seasoned chamber music followers who are open to an adventuresome departure from the typical concert setting. World Cafe Live at the Queen will offer an a la carte brunch menu prior to and during the Collage Concert. Tickets are $20, $15 with student ID; purchase online at queen.worldcafelive.com or by calling 302-994-1400. LiveConnections will also present Serafin String Quartet in their third of three Collage Concerts on Sunday, March 11, 2012, titled An American Tapestry featuring works by Dvorak, Barber, Still, Gershwin and Higdon, also at the World Cafe Live at the Queen. LiveConnections Presents Serafin String Quartet at World Cafe Live at the Queen (Click here for a printable version of this release) (WILMINGTON, DEL.) October 25, 2011 - LiveConnections presents Serafin String Quartet in a ClassicAlive! concert series at World Cafe Live at the Queen. The Serafins will perform three "Collage Concerts," one-hour themed concerts that are programmed as a "collage" of short selections by various composers along with insightful remarks by the musicians. The Collage Concerts are designed to appeal to new classical listeners and seasoned chamber music followers, alike. ClassicAlive!, LiveConnections' newest venture, breaks the boundaries of how classical music is experienced through repertoire, collaboration and atmosphere. ClassicAlive! highlights first-rate artists in fun and intimate settings, mixing food, drink and audience interaction amidst great music. Curator, Mary Javian comments, "It is an absolute pleasure to work with innovative artists such as the Serafin String Quartet." World Cafe Live at the Queen will offer brunch prior and during the Collage Concerts on Sundays. The first concert in the series titled String Quartet Time Machine - Haydn to Higdon bridges from the first quartet-composer to today - including works by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Dvorak, Ravel, Martinu and Higdon. Coming up later this season are A Romp Through Romanticism (February 5) and An American Tapestry (March 11). "Serafin Quartet is pleased to be presented by LiveConnections in Wilmington's newest performance venue World Cafe Live at the Queen," remarks Serafin violinist Kate Ransom. "It is one of the rare places that is actively and effectively making connections for listeners who want to experience different kinds of music in different ways." Serafin String Quartet Collage Concert Series at World Cafe Live at the Queen Sunday, December 11, 2011 Serafin String Quartet presents a Collage Concert titled String Quartet Time Machine - Haydn to Higdon featuring works by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Dvorak, Ravel, Martinu and Higdon. Sunday, February 5, 2012 Serafin String Quartet presents a Collage Concert titled Romp Through Romanticism featuring works by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Ravel and Dvorak. Sunday, March 11, 2012 Serafin String Quartet presents a Collage Concert titled An American Tapestry featuring works by Dvorak, Barber, Still, Gershwin and Higdon. All concerts begin at 12:00 p.m. Doors open for seating and brunch at 11:00 a.m. Tickets: $20, $15 with student ID; Purchase by visiting http://queen.worldcafelive.com/ or calling 302-994-1400 Serafin String Quartet Welcomes Violist Molly Carr; Kicks Off 2011-2012 Season (Click here for a printable version of this release) (WILMINGTON, DEL.) September 9, 2011 9 Serafin String Quartet welcomes violist Molly Carr of New York, winner of the 2010 Juilliard Viola Concerto Competition. She has been praised for her "ravishing sound" by The Strad Magazine and "passionate talent and beautiful poise... all in one package" by AVS. Ms. Carr received her bachelor's and master's degrees from The Juilliard School. "Molly is an exquisite artist," comments violinist Kate Ransom. "The Quartet enjoyed starting off our work with her in June, performing in the Delaware Chamber Music Festival. The program included the Ravel Quartet, a tour de force for the viola, which is prominently featured. Molly rose to the task and played beautifully. Audiences are going to enjoy her sound and energy in SSQ!" On September 9th and 10th, Serafin String Quartet will kick off its seventh concert season with Quartet in Residence events held at the University of Delaware. The Serafins will present formal and informal performances, workshops, presentations and coaching sessions throughout the academic year, their second year as Quartet in Residence. On October 22nd, Serafin String Quartet will open the new community series in Wilmington, "The Arts at Trinity," hosted by Trinity Episcopal Church. The Quartet will collaborate in this concert with special guests Charles Abramovic, piano, and Eric Stomberg, bassoon. The program features the beloved Schumann Piano Quintet, a quartet by Beethoven, and works from the Quartet's second recording project, scheduled for release in 2012 by Naxos, featuring the early chamber works by Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award winning composer Jennifer Higdon. Other season highlights include:
Serafin String Quartet to Perform in the Delaware Chamber Music Festival (Click here for a printable version of this release) (WILMINGTON, DEL.) May 16, 2011 - Serafin String Quartet will perform in the 2011 Delaware Chamber Music Festival on June 17. The concert, titled "French Evolution," will feature works by French composer's including Ravel's String Quartet, one of the great impressionist masterworks; Chausson's "Concert" for solo violin and piano with string quartet; and Couperin's "Pieces en Concert" for solo cello and string quartet. The Quartet will perform along with Barbara Govatos, violin, Music Director for the Delaware Chamber Music Festival and member of the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra; Marcantonio Barone, piano; and Clancy Newman, cello. In the month of June, the Delaware Chamber Music Festival presents outstanding chamber music performances that generate critical acclaim and enthusiastic audiences. The Festival features the area's best chamber players, musicians who have been heard from Vermont's Marlboro Festival to Salzburg's Mozarteum. "The Delaware Chamber Music Festival holds a long-standing place in our community as a premier chamber music series," comments Kate Ransom, violinist. Serafin String Quartet is honored to be included and we are looking forward to collaborating with these stunning festival artists, Barbara Govatos, Marcantonio Barone and Clancy Newman!" Serafin String Quartet Concert Details: Delaware Chamber Music Festival "French Evolution" Friday, June 17, 2011 at 7:30 pm The Music School of Delaware, 4101 Washington Street, Wilmington, Delaware Featuring Serafin String Quartet: Kate Ransom, violin, Timothy Schwarz, violin, Molly Carr, viola, and Lawrence Stomberg, cello; Barbara Govatos, violin; Clancy Newman, cello; and Marcantonio Barone, piano. To purchase tickets, please visit www.dcmf.org. Serafin String Quartet Announces Upcoming Concerts In Georgia And South Carolina (Click here for a printable version of this release) (WILMINGTON, DEL.) March 17, 2011 - Serafin String Quartet announces upcoming performances at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. and Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C. The concerts will feature repertoire from Serafin String Quartet's 2010-2011 performance season including works by Beethoven, Dvořák and 2010 Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award winning composer Jennifer Higdon. The Serafins perform frequently at universities along the east coast including the University of Delaware where they serve as Quartet in Residence. Hailed by the New York Concert Review for its "excellent music making...uncommonly fine interpretation," Serafin String Quartet debuted to a sell-out crowd at New York City's Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in 2004. Centaur Records recently released Serafin String Quartet's debut commercial CD, which received critical acclaim in The Strad Magazine for "playing with style and sophistication." The Quartet has recently announced its second recording project featuring the un-recorded chamber works for strings by Philadelphia-based Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award winning composer Jennifer Higdon. The project will include Higdon's "Sky Quartet," "Amazing Grace" for string quartet, "String Trio," "Sonata for Viola and Piano," and "Dark Wood" for strings, piano and bassoon. Serafin String Quartet Southeast Concert Details: Carlos Museum at Emory University - Noontime Concert Series Friday, April 8, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. Program includes Jennifer Higdon's "Amazing Grace" and "Sky Quartet"; Dvořák's String Quartet in F Major, Op.96 "American"; Beethoven's String Quartet in C Major, Op. 59#3; and Mendelssohn's String Quartet in A minor, Op. 13. Call (404) 727-5050 or visit www.carlos.emory.edu for more details. Carlos Museum at Emory University - Family Concert Series Sunday, April 10, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. Program features Valerie Whitcup's original composition "Webster the Music Spider," and Alan Ridout's "Ferdinand the Bull." Call (404) 727-5050 or visit www.carlos.emory.edu for more details. Wofford College Monday, April 11, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Program includes Dvořák's String Quartet in F Major, Op.96 "American" and Beethoven's String Quartet in C Major, Op. 59#3. Call 864-597-4000 or visit www.wofford.edu/arts for more details. Serafin String Quartet Announces New Recording Project (Click here for a printable version of this release) (WILMINGTON, DEL.) January 7, 2011 - Serafin String Quartet announces its second recording project featuring the un-recorded chamber works for strings by Philadelphia-based Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award winning composer Jennifer Higdon. The project will include Higdon's "Sky Quartet," "Amazing Grace" for string quartet, "String Trio," "Sonata for Viola and Piano," and "Dark Wood" for strings, piano and bassoon. Preliminary recordings for the project have already started with a full recording planned for completion by the end of 2011. The recording will be released by Naxos, one of the world's leading classical music labels devoted to exciting new repertoire featuring exceptional talent. "This project is an opportunity for Serafin Quartet to collaborate with one of today's leading contemporary composers, and we feel great affinity and appreciation for these works. We are pleased that Naxos has championed the project. It is an important project that will round out the scope of discography of Jennifer Higdon's earlier chamber works. These are excellent pieces that should not be neglected on the stage or in recorded format. It is an exciting "next step" in discography for Serafin String Quartet, as well," said Serafin violinist, Kate Ransom. Serafin String Quartet will perform Higdon's "Amazing Grace" and movements from the "Sky Quartet" at their upcoming concert the Annenberg Center for the Arts in Philadelphia on February 4, 2011 at 8pm. To purchase tickets, please visit www.pennpresents.org or call 215-898-3900. University of Delaware Appoints Serafin String Quartet as Quartet in Residence (Click here for a printable version of this release) (WILMINGTON, DEL.) June 30, 2010 - The Delaware-based Serafin String Quartet has been appointed Quartet in Residence at the University of Delaware beginning in fall 2010. In addition to formal and informal performances, the Quartet will serve in a variety of roles both on and off campus and will work with music department students in a number of capacities including coaching student chamber music ensembles. The Quartet also hopes to develop an interdisciplinary component, in collaboration with other departments. "This is a very exciting venture for us," comments Lawrence Stomberg, cellist of the Quartet, as well as the Associate Professor of Cello at the University of Delaware. "I am thrilled about the possibilities for collaboration, both with my fellow colleagues and especially with the students. We have an active and growing chamber music program at the University, and the addition of the Serafins to the mix will undoubtedly be a big boost." Serafin String Quartet Announces CD Release and Overseas Debut Concert (Click here for a printable version of this release) (WILMINGTON, DEL.) June 9, 2010 - The first commercial recording of the Delaware-based Serafin String Quartet has been released on the Centaur Records label. The disc, considered an "American Tapestry," features works by American composers, and composers influenced by American sounds, including Barber, Dvořák, Gershwin and Still. The disc is now available for purchase on the Centaur Records website www.centaurrecords.com and will be internationally released in September 2010. The CD is the Quartet's first major recording project, and was recorded in Gore Recital Hall on the University of Delaware campus in September 2009. The Quartet decided together upon the repertoire for the disc, intending their first release to present their interpretations of standard and lesser-known literature, and reflecting the theme of American influence and diversity. Serafin String Quartet will present its overseas debut concert at St. John's, Smith Square in London, England on September 25, 2010. The concert will feature selections from their recent Centaur release and "Amazing Grace" by Jennifer Higdon, the Philadelphia-based Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award - winning composer. For tickets to the London debut concert, please visit www.sjss.org.uk. "This is an exciting year for the Quartet with our overseas debut, another recording project in preparation and concerts in the southeast and at the Annenberg Center in Philadelphia," comments Serafin violinist, Kate Ransom. "We've made significant progress in our development as a quartet and are reaching the next level in our performing. We look forward to broadening our horizons on the international level to start the new season." This summer the Quartet is preparing and starting to perform selections by Jennifer Higdon in advance of a planned recording of her un-recorded chamber works for strings. This project will feature Higdon's "Sky Quartet," "Amazing Grace" for string quartet, "String Trio," "Sonata for Viola and Piano," and a work for strings, piano and bassoon. They expect the project to take at least a year to complete. |
Malan holds degrees in cello performance, jazz piano and musicology from the University of South
Africa, University of Pretoria and Peabody Conservatory. Malan is a co-founder of the Creative Concert
Group project that aims at altering traditional masterpieces in a way that is more accessible to the
audiences that are handicapped to attend big concert halls.
(Wilmington, Del.) August 2, 2016 - Serafin String Quartet (SSQ) welcomes acclaimed violist Copyright © 2024, Serafin Ensemble. All Rights Reserved. Site designed at 15WestBellamy.com |