Concerts At The College presents Serafin String Quartet

Experience this rare opportunity as Serafin String Quartet plays a concert in historic Mitchell Hall at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia.

REPERTOIRE

Haydn String Quartet in G Minor, Op. 74, No.3 “Horseman,” the ‘galloping’ finale theme has given rise to its nickname

William Grant Still Danzas de Panama for string quartet, a delightful set of four movements each drawing from the colorful dance styles from Panama, Central America and Africa

Mendelssohn e minor Op. 44, No. 2, a work filled with infectious energy and elegant lyricism

The concert begins promptly at 7:00PM with one 15-minute intermission. Seating is first come, first served.

Reception to follow the concert from 9:00PM-10:00PM, including complimentary beer, wine, and light food. The Mütter Museum will not be open during this event.

About Serafin String Quartet

Hailed for "silken finesse and gritty vibrancy" by Gramophone Magazine and for "playing with style and sophistication" by The Strad Magazine, Serafin String Quartet debuted at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in 2004 and has consistently received superlatives in the press and ovations from audiences around the nation. The Quartet returned to Weill Recital Hall in March 2016 to perform the New York premieres of two works by composer Julia Adolphe, along with works by Grieg and Shostakovich. The Serafin’s 2017-18 season includes performances in NY, PA, FL, OK, and DE.

Serafin String Quartet recordings on Naxos (2013) and Centaur (2010) have received overwhelming critical acclaim in Fanfare, The Strad, American Record Guide and Gramophone. The Quartet's Naxos world premiere recording featuring works by Jennifer Higdon was listed among the "Top Ten Classical Albums in 2013" in Philadelphia's City Paper. New York Concert Reviewlauds the Quartet's live performances for "ensemble and intonation ... above reproach," and describes their Debussy as "a shapely, finely conceived account" and their Haydn as having "rhythmic vitality and taut ensemble…"

The Serafins perform frequently around the United States and internationally. In June 2015, they opened the Highlands- Cashiers Chamber Music Festival (NC), with two performances including early classical "Americana" by composers of the Hudson River region. The Serafins joined flute duo ZAWA! for a performance of a new work by Cynthia Folio at the 2015 National Flute Convention (DC), and were selected to perform a special presentation at the 2015 American String Teachers Association National Conference (UT). Other recent performances include Philadelphia's Annenberg Center for the Arts, Chamber Music Now (PA), Classicopia (VT), Fanfare (LA), Delaware Chamber Music Festival, and St. John's Smith Square (United Kingdom). SSQ has been featured on WHYY-TV, and as repeat guests on WRTI radio's Crossover.

Featured by Strings Magazine for innovation in concert programming (July 2015), Serafin String Quartet designs a unique series of "collage concerts" which incorporate readings, mixed-media experiences and collaborative artists presented in intimate venues such as World Cafe Live (Philadelphia and Wilmington, DE) and Kennett Flash (PA). The Quartet probes and performs the entire range of repertoire for string quartet, from Haydn to Higdon. They collaborate frequently with internationally acclaimed music performing artists, and with actors, dancers, poets, and experts in other fields. The individual members of the quartet have been heralded around the globe for concerts and recordings, acclaimed in the press, and received international prizes and awards.

As Quartet in Residence for the University of Delaware, and in visiting residencies at colleges, universities and high schools around the nation, the Serafins work with young musicians in a variety of settings including coaching, master classes, "informances" and workshops.

Reflecting the Quartet's egalitarian viewpoint, Serafin violinists share equally the responsibility for playing the first and second violin parts. Serafin String Quartet takes its name from master violin maker, Sanctus Serafin, who in 1728 crafted the violin currently played by Kate Ransom. The other members play Testore instruments from the same era, thanks to generous support from Dr. William Stegeman.

Additional Concerts at the College:

February 26, 2018 Philadelphia Orchestra Musicians Chamber Concert

March 26, 2018 Dolce Suono Concert

April 11, 2018 Philadelphia Orchestra Musicians Chamber Concert

May 21, 2018 Jordan Dodson

Questions? Please email events@collegeofphysicians.org or call (215) 399-2342

Event registration is non-refundable, but is transferable.

This event is sponsored by The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, home of the Mütter Museum.