Highlights of the 2012-13 Season
A refreshing approach to programming and choice of repertoire, combined with the highest performance quality: that is the trademark of the Rubens Quartet. We build bridges between the richness of the great traditional repertoire and unknown musical pearls from unexpected sources. Through such bridge-building, we bring together music from different continents and various centuries to create attractive and ear-pleasing combinations!
The old masters are well-represented as always; for example, we will be presenting an all-Beethoven program. From Joey Roukens, composer-in-residence of the Rubens Quartet for the past two seasons, we will perform new work Visions at Sea (2011) and a beautiful transcription of Josquin Desprez. We will also cross the borders dividing east and west, in music by the Turkish composers Erkin and Saygun.
We hope to take you along with us on our adventurous musical journey. We have many exciting programs to offer you!
Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven is considered by many to be history's most accomplished composer of string quartets. We have constructed a challenging program of three quartets, taken from each of his compositional periods:
Quartet in D, Op. 18 No. 3
Quartet in F, Op. 135
Quartet in E minor, Op. 59 No. 2
Brahms Cycle
In the US, the Rubens Quartet will soon begin undertaking a daunting project: the complete chamber music of Johannes Brahms. In the Netherlands, selected works of Brahms will be offered, including Quartet Op. 51 No. 2, the Piano Quintet, Op. 34 and the lesser known String Quintet, Op. 88.
Mozart with Marieke Schneemann
In the hands of Marieke Schneemann, the four beautiful flute quartets of Mozart come to life in a most inspiring and magical interpretation! Three members of the Rubens Quartet join her for an unforgettable concert experience.
Welcome back, Ferdinand Erblich!
It is a great pleasure for us to welcome violist Ferdinand Erblich (ex-Orlando, Párkányi Quartet) back to the stage after many years. Ferdinand has been a great source of inspiration for the Rubens Quartet, and we are very excited to play with him again in our new formation. On the program: quintets of Dvorák and Brahms.
4+4=8, Rubens meets Bennewitz
The Bennewitz Quartet from Prague is known as one of the best young string quartets today. Bennewitz and Rubens have decided to join forces in a special program, presenting, among other works, the octet of Georges Enescu.