Four Voices, One Conversation: The Art of the String Quartet, Part Two: The Modern Era
Considered the ideal ensemble, a model democracy and the ultimate chamber music experience, the unique combination of 2 violins, viola and cello have inspired some of our greatest composers to some of their greatest works, and a unique breed of string players to dedicate their lives to performing string quartets. Part Two of The Art of the String Quartet starts at the dawn of the 20th century with Ravel’s brilliant 1903 quartet and continues with two of the greatest, Bartok and Shostakovich. We end our musical journey with a wonderful 21st century quartet by young American Carolyn Shaw.
Faculty Bio
Violist and conductor Ben Simon has been a member of two pro string quartets, the Naumburg Award-winning New World String Quartet and the Stanford String Quartet. Music Director of the SFCO for more than 20 years, he has taught at Harvard, Stanford and UC Berkeley.
This is an In-Person, Livestreamed + Recorded Course
- Classes meet in person at 1995 University Ave., Suite 365, Berkeley
- Classes will also stream live, and be video recorded
- You must be a current OLLI @Berkeley member to register. Learn about membership, including our fee assistance program
Schedule Highlights
- Course starts on Thursday, April 2, and ends on Thursday, April 23
- Classes meet for 4 weeks, 2 hours per session (10-noon)
- All course materials, including videos, will remain available to view and enjoy through May 31
Member Praise for Ben Simon
Ben's very deep, well researched knowledge of the subject was impressive. His presentation of the course was well organized and insightful.
This course was amazing! Ben's enthusiasm was infectious. I learned so much.