The Esterhazy Quartet is an American string quartet founded in the 1970's, interpreting pieces from both standard and modern repertoires. Its members are:
- Eva Szekely (violin)
- John McLeod (violin)
- Leslie Perna (viola)
- Darry Dolezal (cello)
All members are Artists-in-Residence at the University of Missouri in Columbia (United States) The Esterhazy Quartet maintains an active touring schedule in the Americas and Europe, including performances for the Mozarteum in Buenos Aires, the Beethoven Society in Santiago de Chile, the Haydn Festspiele in Austria and the Banff Centre for the Arts in Canada. They have been featured repeatedly on National Public Radio broadcasts such as the highly acclaimed Hear America First and Quartessence series. The Quartet has appeared as guest artists at Festivals including the Western Arts Festival, the Texas Music Festival and the International Chamber Music Festival in Belém, Brazil. In recent years, the Quartet has also been teaching bi-yearly masterclasses at the Berklee College of Music (Boston, Massachusetts). The classes consist of two nights with recorded readings of students compositions, previously selected through a competition process. At the end of the class, each student composer receives an award in the name of the Quartet.[1]
The Esterhazy Quartet's recordings can be heard on the CRI and Spectrum labels.
Quotes
A grand conception that was presented with complete dignity...triumphantly successful.
– La Nación, Buenos Aires
In Beethoven's Opus 135, [the Esterhazy Quartet] excelled in its euphony, delicateness and humanity. The interlacing of the Scherzo, exact; the warm Theme with Variations, infinite heavenly bliss; and the replies of the Finale, very eloquent.
– El Mercurio, Santiago de Chile
The Esterhazy Quartet interpreted the Haydn works in the sensitive and warm manner in which the composer would have wished his music to be heard. It was a great performance!
– Daily Journal, Caracas
The music is full of humor and sophistication. The performers are involved and sensitive.
– Repertoire des Disques Compacts, France
References
- "University of Missouri-Columbia / Esterhazy Quartet's", music.missouri.edu. Retrieved on 2007-01-21.
