Two World-Renowned Czech Classical String Quartets in Joint Concert

In a first-time on Maui pairing of two of the world’s premiere classical string quartets, the Pražák Quartet and the Zemlinsky Quartet will perform together in a special collaborative concert in the MACC’s McCoy Studio Theater Thursday, Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.

The Pražák Quartet, one of today ́s leading international chamber music ensembles, was established in 1972, while its members were students at the Prague Conservatory. Since then, the quartet has gained attention for its place in the unique Czech quartet tradition, and for its musical virtuosity.

The Pražák Quartet has been at home on music stages worldwide for over 30 years. They are regular guests at the major European musical capitals and have been invited to participate at numerous international festivals, where they have collaborated with such artists as Menahem Pressler, Jon Nakamatsu, Cynthia Phelps, Roberto Diaz, Josef Suk, and Sharon Kam.

The Pražák Quartet consists of Jana Vonášková, violin; Vlastimil Holek, violin; Josef Kluson, viola; and Michal Kanka, cello.

Founded in 1994, while the members were still students, the Zemlinsky Quartet has become a much lauded example of the Czech string quartet tradition. Their vast repertoire contains more than 200 works ranging from Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and Dvořák to works by contemporary composers.

Their many recordings have received universal critical acclaim in such publications as The Strad, Gramophone, Diapason, and Fanfare magazines. The Zemlinsky Quartet is named after the Austrian composer, conductor and teacher Alexander Zemlinsky (1871-1942), whose enormous contribution to Czech, German, and Jewish culture had been underrated until recently. The Pražák Quartet served as the mentor ensemble for the Zemlinksy Quartet when they were students at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague.

The Zemlinsky quartet consists of František Souček, violin; Petr Střížek, violin; Petr Holman, viola; and Vladimír Fortin, violoncello.

The evening’s musical program will consist of Strauss’ Sextet from ‘Capriccio,’ Opus 85; Brahms’ String Sextet in B- flat Major, Opus 18; and Mendelssohn’s String Octet in E-flat Major, Opus 20. The program is subject to change.

Tickets are $45 and $65 plus applicable fees and are available at the MACC Box Office and by phone Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Online sales available anytime at MauiArts.org.  MACC members receive a 10% discount and kids 12 and under are half-price.

Zemlinsky Quartet. Photo courtesy: Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

Zemlinsky Quartet. Photo courtesy: Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

Zemlinsky Quartet. Photo courtesy: Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

Pražák Quartet. Photo courtesy: Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

Pražák Quartet. Photo courtesy: Maui Arts & Cultural Center.