Token Creek Chamber Music: Kontras String Quartet
KONTRAS QUARTET boldly explores the evolving role of chamber music in the new millennium. Equally committed to time-honored classics, contemporary compositions, and genre-blending collaborations, Kontras strives to continually enrich the string quartet art form and champion diverse voices.
Formed in 2009, the "superb Chicago-based ensemble" (Gramophone Magazine) has become known for its vibrant and nuanced performances, “crisp precision" (Palm Beach Daily News), and "superlative artistry" (CVNC Arts Journal).
Kontras means ‘contrasts’ in the Afrikaans language - fitting for a string ensemble whose colorful repertoire spans centuries, genres, and continents.
"To say that the playing was impressive would be an understatement. The performance was full of life, clean, crisp, and vibrant. With tonight's performance, it is evident that the Kontras Quartet has worked hard and has become a tightly crafted and beautiful instrument." - CVNC Arts Journal
Program
JOHN ELMQUIST | Sacred Traces (2017)
STACY GARROP | String Quartet No. 1 (1992)
LEOŠ JANÁČEK | String Quartet No. 1, "Kreutzer Sonata" (1923)
PHILIP GLASS | String Quartet No. 2, "Company" (1983)
ROBERT SCHUMANN | String Quartet No. 3 in A major, Op. 41 (1842)
The Artists
KONTRAS QUARTET boldly explores the evolving role of chamber music in the new millennium. Equally committed to time-honored classics, contemporary compositions, and genre-bending collaborations, Kontras strives to continually enrich the string quartet art form, expand audiences, and champion diverse voices. Formed in 2009, the "superb Chicago-based ensemble" (Gramophone Magazine) has become known for its vibrant and nuanced performances, “crisp precision" (Palm Beach Daily News), "superlative artistry" (CVNC Arts Journal), and a passion for exploring the folk roots of classical music. Kontras’s "enjoyable musical personality" (Fanfare Magazine) and welcoming, friendly approach to the recital stage have attracted audiences near and far for over fifteen years. Kontras means ‘contrasts’ in the Afrikaans language - fitting for a string ensemble whose colorful repertoire spans centuries, genres, and continents. In addition to a robust national and international performing and touring schedule, Kontras Quartet has released five critically acclaimed albums, most recently 2024’s “All Made of Stories” on MSR Classics. The group’s first album, “Origins”, also on MSR classics, was commended by Gramophone Magazine for the quartet’s "scrupulous shading and control." Kontras has released three albums in collaboration with the bluegrass trio, the Kruger Brothers: Lucid Dreamer, Roan Mountain Suite, and Moonshine Sonata, all on Doubletime records. The unique Kontras/Kruger pairing has become beloved by audiences all over the world, including those at the Telluride and Merlefest festivals, as well as on Late Night with David Letterman with special guest banjoist Steve Martin. All four members are passionate teachers, holding positions at Elmhurst University. The group holds short-term residencies and gives regular masterclasses and clinics at institutions throughout the United States. www.kontrasquartet.com
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3580750-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3580750-2
