Aizuri Quartet in Ann Arbor Oct. 26

The award-winning Aizuri Quartet has been lauded everywhere from Osaka to Ann Arbor and on Friday, Oct. 26, they'll be back at the University of Michigan's Rackham Auditorium to present what the Philadelphia Inquirer describes as a unique "balance between charisma of the individual and cohesion of the collective."
"Through its engaging and thought-provoking programs, the Quartet has garnered critical acclaim for bringing 'a technical bravado and emotional power' to bold new commissions," wrote event organizers, "and for its flawless performances of the great masterpieces of the past in which 'every note is lovingly crafted and savored' (Washington Post)."
The group was formed in 2012 and got its name from what is known as "aizuri-e." That is a style of usually blue Japanese woodblock printing that is renowned for its intense detail and boldness of pattern and color. In addition to their boldness in name and sound, the group is passionate about creating "diverse points of entry into the string quartet repertoire."
"As its 2015 resident ensemble, the Quartet worked closely with Philadelphia's Barnes Foundation to develop programs and commission new works that forged meaningful connections between music and visual art. The Quartet was featured throughout the Curtis-Coursera online course 'The World of the String Quartet,' which was hosted by Arnold Steinhardt and has reached thousands of students from over a hundred countries," said organizers. "Finding great joy in working with contemporary composers and exploring unusual collaborations, the Aizuri Quartet is proud to have commissioned and premiered works by Pulitzer Prize-winner Caroline Shaw (Blueprint), Paul Wiancko (LIFT), Yevgeniy Sharlat (RIPEFG), Gabriella Smith (Carrot Revolution), Rene Orth (Stripped), and Alyssa Weinberg (Parallels)."
For ticketing information visit tickets.ums.org or by calling the ticket office at 734-764-2538. Student, senior and group discounts may be available.