Experience the energy of the internationally acclaimed St. Lawrence String Quartet members when they bring their passion for the work of one of the most prominent classical music composers in their performance of “Haydn Discovery” at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25.

The performance is presented by the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech and will be held in the Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre, located within the Moss Arts Center’s Street and Davis Performance Hall at 190 Alumni Mall. 

Known for its imaginative and spontaneous music-making through a commitment to the great established quartet literature, the St. Lawrence String Quartet has had a passion for the music of Haydn since its founding in 1989.

The ensemble will perform Haydn’s “String Quartet in F Minor,” op. 20, no. 5. A highlight of the concert will be an in-depth exploration of the piece from various perspectives, led by quartet founding member Geoff Nuttall. The quartet will then play the piece in its entirety, engaging the audience in active listening to cultivate a deeper appreciation of Haydn’s compositions.

For the second half of the performance, the St. Lawrence String Quartet will perform Beethoven’s “Quartet in C Sharp Minor,” op. 131.

Immediately following the performance on Oct. 25, the quartet will host a free Haydn community jam in the Moss Arts Center’s Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre. Musicians are invited to bring their violin, viola, or cello to play with the members of the quartet in this open classical jam session. Participants will play through select movements from Haydn quartets, and while preparation is recommended, it is not required. All skill levels are welcome and the session is recommended for ages 12 and older. The session is open to the public to observe. To participate as a musician, call the Moss Arts Center’s box office at 540-231-5300 or register online.

The ensemble will also lead a master class at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 26. The musicians from the group will coach students from a Virginia Tech chamber music class. This event, which will be held in the Moss Arts Center’s Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre, is also free and open to the public.

The St. Lawrence String Quartet performs more than 120 concerts annually worldwide and has served as the ensemble in residence at Stanford University since 1998. The group’s residency activities include work with music students, as well as extensive collaborations with other faculty and departments. The foursome’s passion for opening up musical arenas to players and listeners alike is demonstrated through their annual summer chamber music seminar at Stanford.  

Tickets

Tickets are $20-45 for general public and $10 for students and youth 18 years old and under. Tickets can be purchased online; at the Moss Arts Center's box office, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday; or by calling 540-231-5300 during box office hours.

Parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street. Virginia Tech faculty and staff possessing a valid Virginia Tech parking permit can enter and exit the garage free of charge. Limited street parking is also available. Parking on Alumni Mall is free on weekdays after 5 p.m. and on weekends.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kacy McAllister at 540-231-5300 or email kmcallis@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

The Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech presents renowned artists from around the globe and from close to home, with a special focus on experiences that expand cultural awareness and deepen understanding. The Center for the Arts and the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology, with which the Center for the Arts is uniquely partnered, are housed in the Moss Arts Center. The Moss Arts Center is a 147,000-square-foot facility that includes the Street and Davis Performance Hall and its 1,274-seat Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre; visual art galleries; the four-story, experimental venue the Cube; and research studios.

Share this story