Sedona News – On Sunday, March 24, 2024 at 3 p.m., Chamber Music Sedona will proudly present the legendary Orion String Quartet as part of the group’s Farewell Tour. Considered one of today’s greatest quartets, the Orion String Quartet currently consists of violinist brothers Daniel Phillips and Todd Phillips, violist Steven Tenenbom and cellist Timothy Eddy. Featuring a program of works by Beethoven and Schubert, this momentous concert will be held at the Sedona Performing Arts Center, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Rd, Sedona, Ariz. 86336.
Formed in 1987, the Orion String Quartet derives its name from the celestial constellation, symbolizing the unique personalities each musician contributes to the collective pursuit of musical excellence. Over the past 36 years, the group has built a reputation as one of the foremost chamber music ensembles in the classical music scene. Since 1997, the Orion has been a season artist of Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS), where its illustrious run will culminate with a Farewell Performance in April 2024 at Alice Tully Hall.
The Orion’s performances have been praised for their “confidence, precision, fluidity, nuance, and crisp ornamentation” (The Los Angeles Times) in both classical masterpieces and modern works. The quartet has significantly expanded the repertoire with over twenty commissioned pieces, premiering works by distinguished composers such as Chick Corea, David Del Tredici, Brett Dean, Thierry Lancino and many others.
Throughout its remarkable journey, the Orion has collaborated with esteemed musicians, including Pablo Casals, Sir András Schiff, Isaac Stern and the Beaux Arts Trio. The group has also engaged in innovative projects to bring chamber music to diverse audiences, such as its collaboration with choreographer Bill T. Jones and the Arnie Zane Dance Company.
The Orion’s commitment to music education is evident through initiatives like CMS at Lincoln Center’s “Beethoven 2000,” a presentation of Beethoven’s sixteen string quartets benefiting educational nonprofits. The New York Times hailed the event, stating, “They were of all ages, races, and dress codes…and when the final quartet ended, the players were greeted with a standing, whooping ovation.”
In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the Orion String Quartet performed the full Beethoven cycle at Mannes School of Music, where they held the Quartet-in-Residence position for 27 years. The group’s recordings of Beethoven’s string quartets for KOCH International Classics have garnered critical acclaim, with Gramophone stating, “When I listen to these recordings…I am utterly lost to the music.”
Additional albums feature the works of composers like Peter Lieberson, Leon Kirchner, Dvorák, Mendelssohn and Wynton Marsalis. The quartet’s performances have been featured on NPR’s Performance Today, PBS’s Live from Lincoln Center, A&E’s Breakfast with the Arts and ABC television’s Good Morning America.
To learn more about Chamber Music Sedona’s presentation of the “Orion String Quartet Farewell Tour” or to purchase tickets, visit: https://chambermusicsedona.
