Amateurs Invited To Join Professional Quartet On Stage After Concert At Princeton University

Princeton, NJ -- Amateur string players (violins, violas, cellos, and basses) of all ages and levels have the chance to join the Takács String Quartet on stage after one of their upcoming concerts at Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall at Princeton University.

The professional quartet will play at the university on Jan. 18 and 19, 2017, Princeton University Concerts said on Monday. This will be the third and fourth concerts in their six-part Beethoven String Quartet Cycle.

Each concert presents a selection from Beethoven’s early, middle, and late periods, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in the incredible spectrum of the composer’s oeuvre.

Both concerts will feature “Beethoven Up Close” seating—with the Quartet seated directly in the center of the hall, the audience will get to surround the musicians on all side for a most intimate encounter with this great music.

After the concert on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017 amateur string players are invited to join the professionals on stage to sight-read Beethoven’s String Quartet Op. 18, No. 4.

Additionally, on Tuesday, Sept. 17, the second class of the three-part "Exploring the Beethoven String Quartets" will take place in Taplin Auditorium at Fine Hall, 7 p.m.

The class is done in collaboration with the Princeton Adult School, taught by Emeritus Professor Scott Burnham and first violinist of the Takács Quartet, Ed Dusinberre.

The 3-part class can be bought as individual events through the Princeton Adult School. In addition, all ticket holders can hear Professor Burnham illuminate the programs in a post-concert talk-back after the concert on Wednesday, Jan. 18, and in a pre-concert talk before the concert on Thursday, Jan. 19.

Now in its sixth annual recreation, the Late Night Chamber Jam—a unique opportunity for amateur musicians in the community to read music with professionals—has become a beloved annual event.

The Beethoven String Quartet Cycle is a momentous occasion for Princeton University Concerts, and to have the annual jam as a part of our celebration of the composer’s legacy makes this event particularly meaningful, the university said.

This composer, in particular, is celebrated for the universality of his music—the Chamber Jam is a testament to the accessibility of his music to for all.

Princeton University Concerts has offered community members a chance to play alongside professionals ever since a magical informal reading took place a few seasons ago, when Ensemble ACJW visited campus.

In the midst of exam period, students were eager for a study break, and the university felt that reading a Beethoven Symphony alongside these professionals seemed like just the thing.

Subscribers joined the musicians and students, and university officials said the palpable excitement and spontaneous energy were unforgettable.

From that moment, Princeton University Concerts has been determined to make such a reading into an annual event and amateurs of all ages and levels have played alongside the talented young players of the Chicago Symphony Winds, the East Coast Chamber Orchestra, the Escher String Quartet and the St. Lawrence String Quartet.

Tickets to the Takács String Quartet’s concert are not required to participate in the Late Night Chamber Jam, but reservations are required for the reading. To sign up, visit princetonuniversityconcerts.org or call 609-258-2800.

Space is limited so early signup is recommended. Limited tickets remain for the Takács Quartet concert preceding the Late Night Chamber Jam, and can be purchased online or by calling 609-258-9220.

One does not have to attend the concert to participate in the Late Night Chamber Jam. The Chamber Jam will take place roughly at 10 p.m.

The attached image of the Takacs String Quartet was provided by Princeton University Concerts. Photo by Keith Saunders (http://www.takacsquartet.com/press_photogallery.html)