The Parker Quartet is used to making history, having rapidly distinguished itself as one of the preeminent ensembles of its generation. In celebration of its tenth anniversary as artist-in-residence with the University of South Carolina’s School of Music, the Parker will be adding to their list of historic achievements by performing the complete Beethoven string quartet cycle.
More than 200 years in the making, the 16 Beethoven string quartets will be performed over the course of six concerts in a special partnership with Historic Columbia. The Beethoven Cycle has never been performed in Columbia, South Carolina, making this a truly historic event.
“We are always looking for ways to expand community access to local history and visiting historic places is one of the best ways to do that. To have the draw of the world-renowned Parker Quartet performing within these spaces provides audiences with a new entry point to experience Columbia’s historic places,” says Robin Waites, Executive Director of Historic Columbia.
The students, faculty, and audiences of the School of Music are so delighted that we will have the occasion to witness what for most is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence.... our community has an opportunity to experience the very greatest of European chamber music at the highest level of excellence and poignancy in unforgettably unique settings.
— Dean Tayloe Harding
The concerts will be held in venues that existed during Beethoven’s lifetime (1770-1827), including two Historic Columbia properties, Robert Mills House and Seibels House, as well as Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and USC's historic Rutledge Chapel. Other venues include Darla Moore School of Business Johnson Performance Hall and the School of Music Recital Hall.
The Rutledge Chapel is USC’s original building and one of the most historic locations on campus. The Robert Mills House is a classical revival mansion that perfectly embodies everything chamber music is — classical, traditional and intimate. The Trinity Episcopal Cathedral is the first Episcopal and oldest surviving sanctuary in Columbia, where 200 years of life is also being celebrated. The Siebels House is Columbia’s oldest surviving home.
The goal of presenting the Beethoven Cycle is to bring chamber music to audiences old and new, near and far, expanding the reach of this beloved composer and the world-renowned artists who will perform his works. The concerts are free and open to the public, but seating is limited so reservations are encouraged. Click here to reserve seats.
School of Music’s friend, supporter, violinist and local artist, Christina Clark, has created a commemorative poster in honor of the series. Support this very special event by purchasing one of these posters!
About the Parker Quartet
The Grammy-winning Parker Quartet is internationally recognized for their inspiring performances, luminous sound and exceptional musicianship. The Parker Quartet is comprised of Daniel Chong, violin, Ken Hamao, violin, Jessica Bodner, viola, and Kee-Hyun Kim, cello. Like all other Parker Quartet performances, the performance of the complete Beethoven Cycle will be “fearless, yet probingly beautiful (The Strad).” In addition to residency at the University of South Carolina, the members of the Parker Quartet serve as Professors of the Practice and Blodgett Artists-in-Residence at Harvard University’s Department of Music.
About the USC School of Music
The University of South Carolina School of Music believes music is an essential component of the human experience. Our mission is to prepare our students to be skilled music leaders to ensure that they advance the quality of life in their communities by helping to make others happier, healthier, more hopeful and more fulfilled through the power of music. We do this not only by advancing musical instruction at the highest level for students' professional preparation, but also by leveraging the actual daily work done by students and faculty in the teaching and learning of music to unlock music’s unlimited potential to improve lives throughout the Midlands and beyond.