Takács Quartet Takes it Home

By Maesyn

Classical music tends to be grouped into a genre that caters to stuffy penguin suits and high brow culture.

Takacs Quartet - via NY Times

Put away the fancy schmancy suits and break out your comfiest clothes. You are about to go on a ride through melodic artistry!

Rarely do you find a group of classical artists who don’t take themselves too seriously. Fortunately for us, the fun and magic and passion of classical music is being brought to life by one of the world’s most acclaimed small ensembles, the Takács Quartet.

Known for their humor, musical dexterity, and dramatic flair, the Takacs Quartet takes high octane classical music to the next level of entertainment. They will be bringing this sassiness to the Castle Theater on Tuesday March 8th at 7:30 pm.

Each of the individuals in the group displays virtuoso abilities, and brings their unique sensibilities to the table, amalgamating in a rip roaring, whirling, swirling dervish of a time for the performers and the audience.

The Quartet holds a residency at University of Colorado, where they perform and inspire up and coming musicians to cut loose and be free within their classical expression. There they have helped to develop a string program with a special emphasis on chamber music in an inspiring and safe environment.

The Quartet teaches at summer residencies at the Aspen Festival and at the Music Academy of the West, Santa Barbara.

The group was founded overseas in 1975 at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest by four students.

As their repertoire and fearless approach to music have grown, so too have their audiences. Playing worldwide, 90 concerts per year, the group often collaborates with guest musicians.

In perhaps their most unique and delightful union, they recently performed in Carnegie Hall with Academy Award–winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Joyce Yang - file photo

For this Maui performance, the Quartet will be joined by their longtime musical playmate, pianist, Joyce Young.

Well known around the world for her captivating sensitivity and breathtaking virtuosity, Young has been acclaimed as a leading artist of her generation. At the tender age of 24, she has already reached heights of achievement and acclaim that many musicians only dream of.

On Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 7:30 pm, the group will convene at the MACC’s Castle Theater to perform selections from Haydn and Bartok, as well as a much anticipated crowd favorite, the Dvorak piano quintet.

The dexterity, dynamic, and technical challenges of several of these pieces make them rare jewels to encounter live. Be sure to come watch them be executed with technical precision, humor, zest, and lively passion by these fiercely innovative musicians!

Tickets are $12, $32, and $38.

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