Arts Alive! hosts American String Quartet

Arts Alive! will open its 2000-01 series with the American String Quartet, Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 8 p.m., in Agnes Flanagan Chapel.

The program includes music by Haydn, Bartók and Beethoven. Musicians are Daniel Avshalomov, viola; Peter Winograd, violin; Laurie Carney, violin; and David Geber, cello. “No praise would be excessive for the tight ensemble and balance this group brings to music,” says The San Francisco Chronicle. “They play as one mind and one heart, with faultless polish, with awesome control,” writes the Los Angeles Times.

Each member also performs solo appearances and recitals. Avshalomov performs his interpretations of music composed by his grandfather, Aaron, and his father, Jacob, in his most recent recording, Three Generations Avshalomov.

The American String Quartet has won both the Coleman Competition and the prestigious Naumburg Award. It has been the resident quartet at the Aspen Music Festival since 1974 and has served as the resident ensemble for the Van Cliburn International Piano Conservatory. The musicians served on the faculty of Peabody Conservatory for 10 years and initiated its program of quartet studies.

Ensemble Galilei, the second concert in the Arts Alive! series, will perform on Friday, Nov. 17, at 8 p.m., in Agnes Flanagan Chapel.

“They play with energy, splendid ensemble, good humor and imagination,” writes The Washington Post.

The musicians include Liz Knowles, a solo fiddler with Riverdance; Sue Richards, U.S. National Scottish Harp Champion; Carolyn Anderson Surrick, who plays viola da gamba; Sarah Weiner, who plays oboe and recorder; and Deborah Nuse, who performs on Scottish small pipes and fiddle.

Tickets to each concert are $15 for general admission; $12 for senior citizens, Lewis & Clark alumni and employees, and non-Lewis & Clark students; and $8 for Lewis & Clark students. Tickets are available in the College Bookstore; at Fastixx, (503) 224-8499; or at www.ticketswest.com.

The Arts Alive! events scheduled for spring semester include: Carolivia Herron, author of Nappy Hair, Friday, Jan. 19, 8 p.m., in Agnes Flanagan Chapel; Kitka, a vocal ensemble, Saturday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m., in Agnes Flanagan Chapel; and Tim Rollins, artist, Thursday, Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Templeton Student Center.

Lewis & Clark thanks its Arts Alive! partners: Barnes & Noble College Bookstores, Bon Appétit Management Co., The Heathman Hotel, and radio stations KBOO 90.7 FM and KBPS 89.9 FM. For information, call (503) 768-7216.