Celebrated Jerusalem Quartet returning to Athens for program of classics

Released by the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center:

“Passion, precision, warmth, a gold blend: These are the trademarks of this excellent Israeli string quartet.” —Times of London

The Jerusalem Quartet is highly regarded for its warm, full sound as well as its command of a wide-ranging repertoire and stunning depth of expression. A regular and beloved guest on the world’s great concert stages, the ensemble returns to Hodgson Concert Hall Friday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. with an irresistible program by a trio of composers who made considerable contributions to the chamber music canon: Haydn, Shostakovich, and Brahms.

JERUSALEM QUARTET

Since the ensemble's founding in 1993 and subsequent 1995 debut, the four Israeli musicians have embarked on a journey of growth and maturation. The ensemble has found its core in a warm, full, human sound and an egalitarian balance between high and low voices. This approach allows the quartet to maintain a healthy relationship between individual expression and a transparent and respectful presentation of the composer's work.

The 2024/25 season marks the Quartet’s 30th anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, the Quartet will put a spotlight on the cycle of Shostakovich’s 15 quartets, which they will present in 10 cities worldwide including St. Paul, Cleveland, and Portland, Ore., London, Zurich, Amsterdam, Cologne, and Sao Paulo. Additional highlights this season include performances in Houston, Miami, Boston, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Albuquerque, Iowa City, Cincinnati, and Monterrey, Mexico, among other North American cities, and a return to the Konzerthaus in Berlin; the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris, and London’s Wigmore Hall.

The Jerusalem Quartet’s numerous recordings have garnered many awards and accolades including the Diapason d'Or and the BBC Music Magazine award for chamber music. After releasing 16 albums for the Harmonia Mundi label starting in 2005, the quartet now records exclusively for the BIS label. The quartet’s inaugural release for BIS, in December 2024, includes Shostakovich quartets Nos. 2, 7, and 10.

PROGRAM

HAYDN: Quartet in B-Flat Major, Op. 50, No. 1 (“Prussian”)

SHOSTAKOVICH: Quartet No. 12 in D-Flat Major, Op. 133

BRAHMS: Quartet in B-Flat Major, Op. 67

PERFORMANCE TALK

Join us for a free pre-performance talk by Theresa Chafin in Ramsey Concert Hall from 6:45-7:15 pm.

TICKETS

Securing tickets for UGA Presents performances couldn’t be easier. There are three ways to choose from:

1. Purchase tickets online 24/7 at pac.uga.edu.

2. Call the Performing Arts Center Box Office at (706) 542-4400, Mon.-Fri., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

3. Visit the UGA Performing Arts Center Box Office, Mon.-Fri., 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (5 minute parking is available in the drop off circle at the Performing Arts Center for purchasing or picking up tickets.)