The string quartet, introduced in the mid-eighteenth century, continues to be a popular fixture in music. The four-member group represents each of the traditional components of a string 
orchestra—first violin, second violin, cello, and bass. Its compact size allows composers to experiment and introduce innovations. Moreover, the instruments in a string quartet mimic the range and tone of the human vocal ranges of soprano, alto, tenor, and bass.

The timbre of a string quartet promotes a balance of simplicity and complexity. The individual instruments produce their own well-defined pitches, but they also blend beautifully. They facilitate the expression of both exalted and uncomplicated emotions and stories. Beginning with such composers as Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven, the string quartet developed a following that makes it just as relevant now as it was when it was introduced.

About Calder Quartet
Renowned for its masterful performances of string quartets by historic and modern artists, Calder Quartet plays for audiences around the world. Such composers as Terry Riley, Thomas Adès, and Christopher Rouse rely on the group to present their new work. In coming months, Calder Quartet plans to perform in Seattle, Amsterdam, and New York City.

Alexander CalderA true 20th century art innovator, sculptor Alexander Calder's creations reflect his training as a mechanical engineer with an innate artistic sensitivity. Calder made significant contributions to kinetic art, art in motion or containing moving parts, and is best known as the originator of the mobile.Today, Calder's influence extends beyond artistic horizons into music. Inspired by Calder's ground-breaking creativity, the renowned Calder Quartet, a top-tier U.S. string ensemble, seeks to embody immediacy and vitality in the musical works they perform. Much like their artistic namesake, the Calder Quartet extends boundaries and blends diverse influences to create engaging artistic performances. 

During his career, Alexander Calder became known through exhibitions, commissions, and performances of his unique Cirque Calder, a toy circus designed from found objects such as wire, string, rubber, and cloth. Calder fit his portable circus materials into suitcases, which allowed him to traverse the Atlantic and give performances in both New York and Paris. Ultimately, the Circque Calder gained popularity among the Parisian avant-garde.

In his Cirque Calder, the artist sought to re-create the performance of a real circus. Similarly, the Calder Quartet endeavors to capture the true intention of each work's composer to provide authentic and artistically crafted concert experiences for audiences worldwide.

For nearly a decade, the Carlsbad Music Festival has been a popular annual event in the village of Carlsbad, California. For three days every September, the Carlsbad Music Festival delights crowds with numerous artists representing a wide array of musical styles. The winner of the American Society of Composers, Authors, & Publishers/Country Music Association's 2010 Award for Adventurous Programming, this celebration has received praise from the Los Angeles Times, KPBS Radio, and Bloomberg News.

To learn more about the experience, log onto www.carlsbadmusicfestival.org. This page contains an event schedule, which gives details about the free Village Music Walk that kicks off the weekend and other festival events. The website allows visitors to purchase tickets online, and provides updates about who will be performing. The page also contains information about partner hotels and restaurants that support the Carlsbad Music Festival.

About the Author:

Founded at the University of Southern California (USC) Thornton School of Music, The Calder Quartet has played to audiences across the world and on television. This group has served as the Founding Ensemble-in-Residence for the Carlsbad Music Festival since its genesis in 2003.

By The Calder Quartet 

Born in the United Kingdom, Thomas Adès began his formal studies at the Guildhall School of Music in London as an adolescent. He made his compositional debut 10 years later in 1993 and premiered his first opera, Powder Her Face, in 1995. London's Royal Opera House commissioned Thomas Adès to compose a second opera, entitled The Tempest, in 2004.

In addition to these notable works, Thomas Adès has composed several piano and violin concertos. He has also written such orchestral compositions as These Premises Are Alarmed, Asyla, and Tevot, a 2007 piece commissioned by Carnegie Hall and the Berlin Philharmonic. Over the last 10 years, six international music festivals have honored him as their featured composer. Also a talented conductor and pianist, Thomas Adès most recently conducted his work, The Tempest, at New York's Metropolitan Opera.

About the author: The Calder Quartet has performed several pieces by Thomas Adès, including Arcadiana. Made up of Benjamin Jacobson, Andrew Bulbrook, Johnathan Moerschel, and Eric Byers, the Calder Quartet has commissioned more than 25 works from some of today's top emerging composers.

With over 2,000 performances and almost 2 million visitors per year, the Kennedy Center boasts many opportunities for enjoyment of the arts. The center includes performances for younger audiences as well as opportunities for adults to expand their appreciation. The Kennedy Center's website features an extensive list of performances and community outreach events.

Examples of musical events hosted include New Visions/New Voices, Millennium Stage, and NSO Performances for Young Audiences. The Explore the Arts program features classes and discussions on topics ranging from ballet to jazz to Mozart. Meanwhile, those who prefer to enjoy music in communities around the United States may enjoy the Kennedy Center's traveling music programs.

The Calder Quartet is Benjamin Jacobson, Jonathan Moerschel, Andrew Bulbrook, and Eric Byers, This modern string quartet from Los Angeles performs exploratory, collaborative works in addition to more well-known classical works. The Calder Quartet has performed at many concert halls and venues, including the Kennedy Center and The Hollywood Bowl. They have an active performance schedule for the 2012 season. To learn more, visit: www.calderquartet.com.

Presented by the University of California, Berkeley, Cal Performances conducts over 100 performing arts events every year in numerous locations throughout the school's campus and the city. These shows range in style from modern and classical dance and theater to chamber music and jazz. In addition to showcasing both newer and proven artists, the program inspires others to engage in public and community service activities. 

The group began its life in 1906 as an attempt to boost the city’s morale following the San Francisco earthquake and fire from earlier that year. Mikhail Baryshnikov, Yo-Yo Ma, Philip Glass, and Bill T. Jones represent a few of the performers who have entertained audiences through this endeavor over the past century. 

To read more about Cal Performances and to purchase tickets, log onto www.calperfs.berkeley.edu. 

About the Calder Quartet:

A musical group consisting of four string instruments, the Calder Quartet originated at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music. Having played on network television and at recital halls, this mixed-style group debuted at Cal Performances during the start of its 2011-2012 season.