Phoenix Chamber Music Society

Two string quartets sharing the stage is always a party, which is why the Miró and Isidore Quartets are so excited to collaborate for this program celebrating the bicentenary of Felix Mendelssohn’s Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20, a masterpiece that has captivated audiences and musicians alike since its premiere in late 1825.

Our repertoire for this program spans the history of chamber music, opening with the “Sunrise” quartet by Joseph Haydn - in many ways the inventor of the string quartet – before showcasing a contemporary American work written for the Miró by Pulitzer Prize winning Composer Caroline Shaw, “Microfictions vol 1”.

And following this wide-ranging first half, we conclude with Mendelssohn’s Octet, completed by the 16-year-old composer on 15 October 1825.  This glorious creation reflects the spirit of the early Romantic era while also drawing inspiration from classical masters including Haydn.  Mendelssohn‘s intricate textures and delicate atmospheres continue to inspire musicians today such as Caroline.