University of North Texas

The Baumer String Quartet returns to the University of North Texas College of Music for a weeklong residency in February that will conclude with two collaborative recitals – one with faculty, and one with students.

The faculty recital at 8 p.m. on Feb. 18 will feature Susan Dubois, viola, and Eugene Osadchy, cello. The second concert will be held at 5 p.m. on Feb. 19, and will include UNT students Josip Kvetek, viola; Dominic Kyung Seu Na and Sally Murphy, cello; and Yalira Machado Montejo, violin. It also will include a guest performance by Dallas Symphony Orchestra clarinetist Stephen Ahearn.

Baumer String Quartet member and concert organizer Nathan Olson says the visit is another way to enhance UNT’s chamber music program.

“My colleagues in the quartet are great musicians, so I am excited for UNT students to get a chance to work with them in masterclass and coaching settings,” Olson, who also is co-concertmaster of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra said. “We are also very much looking forward to both concerts. Rehearsing and performing chamber music with the students – especially in a short timeframe – will be a great experience for all of us.”

Olson says the collaboration with UNT helps the students continue to develop skills in listening, flexibility, and networking, and it gets them out of the practice room.

“If you are a good chamber musician, others will want to play with you,” Olson said. “As we all know, the classical music world is small, and connections are very important. We hope we can pass on our love for chamber music to the students during the week, and hopefully some tips and inspiration as well.”

Performances will include chamber works of Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Tchaikovsky and Brahms. Both recitals are free and will be held in Paul Voertman Concert Hall in the Music Building.

What: The Baumer String Quartet returns to the University of North Texas for two collaborative recitals – one with faculty and one with students from the UNT College of Music.

When: 8 p.m. Feb. 18 and 5 p.m. Feb. 19.

Where: Paul Voertman Concert Hall.

Cost: Free.

More information: For a complete list of UNT College of Music events, including faculty and student recitals, visit the College of Music online calendar at http://music.unt.edu/calendar and connect with the College of Music on Facebook at Facebook.com/UNTCollegeofMusic and on Twitter at @UNTCoM.

About the Baumer String Quartet

The Baumer String Quartet brings together four accomplished artists: Nathan Olson, violin; Aaron Requiro, violin; John T. Posadas, viola; and David Requiro, cello. Acknowledged as one of the finest young quartets in the country, the Baumer String Quartet was founded in 2003 by a group of young musicians at the Cleveland Institute of Music. The members of the quartet pursue parallel careers as international soloists, leaders and principal players of world-class orchestras, as members of eminent chamber groups, and as tutors and professors of music. The Baumer String Quartet comes together for a limited touring schedule on a project-by-project basis inspired by the success of the East Coast Chamber Orchestra and the New Orford String Quartet. Rather than committing to a year-round schedule, the members of the quartet meet for short, musical residencies, providing a fresh perspective on interpretations of the traditional string quartet repertoire.

-- Courtney Taylor, News Promotions