Meráki Quartet

Sofia Matthews, Jun Yong Liu & Anna Renton, violin/viola; Isabelle Nichols, cello

Preben Antonsen Variations and Theme
Claude Debussy String Quartet in G minor, Op. 10
Béla Bartók String Quartet No. 1, Op. 7

The Meráki Quartet was formed in the fall of 2016, through the Crowden Music Center’s Youth Chamber Music Program. The group, comprised of four 16-year-old students, derived its name from the Greek “μεράκι,” meaning “soulfully artistic.” The quartet was awarded the Jane Galante Prize at the Yehudi Menuhin Chamber Music Seminar and has appeared on NPR’s From the Top with Christopher O’Riley. The group has performed at the Rex Salon and Herbst Theater with the Alexander String Quartet, opened for the St. Lawrence String Quartet, and were invited to play at Berkeley City Hall for Mayor Tom Bates. The quartet receives regular mentoring from cellists Bonnie Hampton and Eugene Sor. The Meráki quartet is dedicated to supporting emerging composers; for this concert they will present a program that links two works from the past with a contemporary piece by the Bay Area composer, Preben Antonsen. The three composers featured in this program were inspired by folk music: this interest is reflected through the styles, structures, and concepts used in each work.

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Meráki Quartet

Sofia Matthews, Jun Yong Liu & Anna Renton, violin/viola; Isabelle Nichols, cello

Old First Concerts has volunteer opportunities available!

Our concerts rely on the generosity of volunteers to assist with simple tasks like:

ushering

distributing programs

box office

set-up and clean-up

Scheduling is flexible — you choose when to work! We especially need helping hands for our Friday and Saturday night performances.

An excellent opportunity for students, seniors, or anyone who possesses a love for music!

If you’d like to consider volunteering with Old First Concerts, please contact curtishuth@oldfirstconcerts.org for more information.