Submitted by the Center for the Performing Arts
UNIVERSITY PARK — On Thursday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m., the Pennsylvania-based ensemble Dover Quartet will perform alongside pianist Haochen Zhang at the Penn State Recital Hall.
The multiple award-winning Dover Quartet was formed at Curtis Institute of Music in 2008, and is comprised of Joel Link, violin; Bryan Lee, violin; Julianne Lee, viola; and Camden Shaw, cello.
BBC Music Magazine designated the quartet as one of the greatest string quartets of the past 100 years. In addition to its faculty role as the Penelope P. Watkins Ensemble in Residence at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, Dover Quartet holds residencies with the Kennedy Center, Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University, Artosphere and the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival.
Since his gold medal win at the 13th annual Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in
2009, Zhang has performed for audiences in the United States, Europe and Asia.
In 2017, Zhang received the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes talented musicians with the potential for a major career in music. Haochen’s performances at the Cliburn Competition were released to critical acclaim by Harmonia Mundi in 2009. He also is featured in Peter Rosen’s award-winning documentary chronicling the 2009 Cliburn Competition, “A Surprise in Texas.”
The March 21 program will include: Sonata in E Major, Op. 109, featuring soloist Haochen; Piano Quintet No. 2, “In Six Parts,” by Marc Neikrug, featuring the quartet and soloist; and String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, D 810, “Death and the Maiden,” featuring Dover Quartet.
Piano Quintet No. 2, “In Six Parts” was written specifically for the Dover Quartet and Zhang.
“As with most of my music, the demands on the performers are great. The writing requires obvious mastery of their instruments,” Neikrug said. “It also demands engaged emotional understanding and great ensemble. Because of the independence of the parts, everyone needs to be aware of what everyone else is playing at all times.”
On Wednesday, March 20, at 8 p.m., the Dover Quartet will deliver an intimate mini concert. It will feature excerpts from the ensemble’s repertoire and provide the opportunity for attendees to speak with the performers. The Classical Coffeehouse will be at Robb Hall in the Hintz Family Alumni Center. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and snacks and refreshments will be served before the event.
Seating is limited, but standing room is available when the seating is full. The event is free for University Park and high school students. A $15 donation is suggested for all other attendees. Tickets for the Thursday, March 21, performance are available through Ticketmaster or for purchase at Eisenhower Auditorium.
