MEDIA BACKGROUND INFORMATION
ACCLAIMED STRING QUARTET TO PLAY AT EMERSON CENTER JANUARY 6, 2011
Thanks to the generosity, dedication, and effort of a group of local music lovers committed to
bringing to Vero Beach top notch string quartets, and with the help of several music organizations
already established, the acclaimed Miami Beach String Quartet will perform at the Emerson Center at
7:00 pm on January 6, 2011.
Many musicologists define string quartet music as “music’s supreme statement”, and the Miami
Beach String Quartet is a prime example of the discipline, dedication, experience and talent needed to
excel in this demanding form of musical expression. Quartets must capture the excitement of the music
as well as its soul. The music is beautiful, melodic, powerful, and can be deeply introspective.
Feel the intimacy of the music and get to know the musicians and their style. Watch the facial
expressions of the musicians and feel their natural syncopation with their instruments and with each
other as their posture changes with the melody or intensity of the music. See and hear four renowned
soloists united by their musical passions but without benefit of a conductor, relying, instead, on
countless hours of rehearsal to achieve musical perfection.
The program will comprise two works recognized as musical masterpieces. They are Schubert’s
Quartet number 13, and Beethoven’s Opus 59 number 1, more commonly called the “Rasumovsky in F
major.” These two pieces were chosen by the organizers and the orchestra as being among the most
representative of the intensity and intimacy of this genre.
Schubert’s quartet number 13 was written soon after the composer learned, at age twentyeight, that he had an incurable disease. The piece starts with a melody and tempo that defines
poignancy in a background of musical agitation that flashes with manic energy. It contains spirited
German dances with a counterpoint of haunting themes as if the composer were trying to rid himself of
the knowledge of his impending death by focusing his thoughts on happier subjects, but not with
complete success. The music is melodic, introspective, and beautiful. It reflects the anguish of
Schubert’s emotions as he attempts to control them with his music.
Beethoven’s “Rasumovsky” in F major is named in honor of the composer’s friend, the Russian
Ambassador in Vienna, an amateur musician who provided Russian themes for development by
Beethoven’s genius. This is an intricate work which displays Beethoven’s love of innovation. It’s as lively
as the Russian dances and melodies it incorporates. Invigorating, impassioned, and melodic, this is the
first of Beethoven’s middle quartets which audiences love to hear.
The Miami Beach String Quartet comprises four exceptionally talented musicians, all
experienced soloists. Ian Maksin has been described as “one of the most unique and gifted artists of his
generation,” this master cellist already has a reputation in Vero Beach where he plays Principal Cello for
the Atlantic Classical Orchestra. He has just returned from a string of solo engagements in Chicago,
Boston, and New York. Ian is a Russian born native of St. Petersburg, and a graduate of the Manhattan
School of Music. He has recorded several CDs including the very popular “Solo Flight” which includes
the two complete Bach “Suites for Solo Cello” among other works for cello.
Violinist Aleksandr Zhuk was born into a celebrated musical family in Moscow. He started his
musical studies at age six at the Gnessin School for Gifted Children. He holds degrees from the Utrecht
Conservatory and won a Graduate Performance Diploma from the Peabody Institute in Baltimore. He
also performs with the Florida Grand Opera orchestra.
Serbian born violinist, Dina Kostic, holds degrees from Southern Methodist and Northwestern
University. In addition to the MBSQ she plays with Chamber Music Palm Beach, the Florida
Philharmonic and the New World Symphony. Dina performs regularly as a soloist and has a number of
recording credits.
Chauncey Patterson, violist, studied at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, the
Cleveland Institute of Music, and the Curtis Institute. He served as Principal Viola with both the Denver
Symphony and the Buffalo Symphony orchestras. He is currently Solo Violist for Florida Grand Opera.
He has performed at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Hollywood Bowl.
Tickets for this long awaited event are $20 per person, $10 for students, and can be purchased
from the Emerson Center on line, http://TheEmersonCenter.org, or call the box office at 772 778 5249.