MARCH 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lexington, VA -- The internationally acclaimed Amernet String Quartet will perform two classic twentieth century works along with a quartet by Washington and Lee University composer Terry Vosbein in a free concert as part of the Sonoklect Festival of Modern Music. The performance takes place at Washington and Lee’s Lenfest Center on Saturday, March 13th at 8:00pm. In addition to Vosbein’s composition the Quartet will perform the first quartet of Béla Bartók and will be joined by pianist David Riley for the Shostakovich Piano Quintet.

The Amernet Quartet has garnered worldwide praise and recognition as one of today’s exceptional young string quartets. It rose to international attention after winning the Gold Medal at the Tokyo International Music Competition in 1992. Three years later the group was the First Prize winner of the prestigious Banff International String Quartet Competition. The New York Times described them as “an accomplished and intelligent ensemble,” and the German Nürnberger Nachrichten wrote that their performance was “fascinating with flawless intonation, extraordinary beauty of sound, virtuosic brilliance and homogeneity of ensemble.”

Riley is a Sonoklect favorite, this being his fifth appearance in the series. Since meeting as classmates at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Riley and Vosbein have collaborated on many performances. Riley is now a leading collaborative pianist in New York, constantly in demand for recitals there and throughout the world. Lexington is fortunate that he manages to perform here so often.

Vosbein's String Quartet No. 1 was composed in 1992 while he was a student of Donald Erb at the Cleveland Institute of Music. It is a multi-movement work full of rich sonorities, vivid timbres and an exciting drive. The Amernet Quartet has recently added it to their touring repertoire, having performed the Cincinnati premiere in February, with several additional performances in the upcoming season.

The concert is free and open to the public. No tickets are required. A reception will follow allowing the audience to meet and greet each other and the performers.



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