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Serafin String Quartet Announces Release Date for Second Recording (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. "ennifer 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. |
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