Clark Chamber Series Features Amernet String Quartet
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute continues its August chamber music series with the Amernet String Quartet on Tuesday, Aug. 18.This performance marks the quartet's premiere performance of Stephen Dankner's String Quartet No. 10 inspired by the exhibition "Dove/O'Keeffe: Circles of Influence" on view at the Clark. Concerts begin at 8 and tickets are $21 ($18 for members and students) and may be purchased at clarkart.edu, by calling 413-458-0524, or at the museum shop.
Described by The New York Times as "an accomplished and intelligent ensemble," the Julliard-trained Amernet String Quartet features Misha Vitenson and Marcia Littley on violins, Michael Klotz on viola, and Javier Arias on cello. The Buffalo News heralded the group's "superbly clean articulation, impeccable intonation and natural, unforced lyricism." The Amernet Quartet has traveled across the country and around the world for performances in locations as varied as Japan, Germany, Mexico, and Romania. Gold Medal winners of the 1992 Tokyo International Music Competition, they also won First Prize at the 5th Banff International String Quartet Competitions.
Actively involved in arts education, the group taught chamber music at both institutions and have received numerous grants for school outreach projects. The group has also conducted workshops and master classes across the United States. The Amernet Quartet has collaborated with numerous groups, including the Ying String Quartet, who performed at the Clark as part of the chamber music series on August 4.
The program at the Clark features the Haydn String Quartet Opus 76, No. 4, "Sunrise"; Stephen Dankner's String Quartet No. 10 (premiere performance); and Tchaikovsky's String Quartet No. 1.
A fixed-price, three-course dinner will be offered at the Clark Cafe at 6 for $25 per person (does not include concert, beverage, tax, or gratuity). Dinner reservations required; seating is limited. Call 413-458-0524 for reservations. The galleries will remain open until 6 on concert evenings, providing a chance to view the exhibition.
The series concludes on Aug. 25 with a performance by the American String Quartet, the resident quartet at the Manhattan School of Music and at the summer Aspen Music Festival. This concert series is funded by the Alice Shaver Foundation; additional support is provided by Legacy Portfolio Management.
The Clark is located at 225 South St. The galleries are open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 to 5 daily in August. Admission through Oct. 31 is $12.50 for adults, free for children 18 and under, members, and students with valid ID. For more information, call 413-458-2303 or visit clarkart.edu.
