Calder Quartet
“Few string quartets can command the stage like the Calder Quartet,” according to The Washington Post. The extraordinary ensemble is just as renowned for its expert, empathetic readings of core repertoire as it is for its thrilling commitment to new and unexpected programming. Returning to the Festival for the 12th year, the Los Angeles-based musicians are sure to delight with their mastery and imagination.
The Calder’s Beethoven was full of flaring drama, furrowed brows and quiet intensity. But, with the tightest of ensemble playing and well-judged balancing of instrumental voices, the piece retained its classical integrity and polished finish.”- Washington Post
I’ve written before that every time I hear the Calder, the ensemble seems to have reached a new level. That remains true, and now only the stars are the limit, as the Calder takes its place as one of America’s most satisfying—and most enterprising—quartets.”- Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times
The Calder Quartet played the most insightful and moving performance of Thomas Adès’s Arcadiana I’ve ever heard.”- Tom Service, The Guardian UK
Performances like these—freshly rethought, impeccably played—do more than provide enjoyable listening. They reveal hidden dimensions, renew a bond with the composer, and justify the continuance of familiar works in the repertory.”- Boston Globe
2026 Featured Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
Late 18th century Europe. A world in turmoil. A musical genius is born into circumstances that nourish his talent, but starve him emotionally. He has an innate, unwavering desire to cure suffering with music that expresses a more perfect world. More than 250 years later, we are drawn again to Beethoven’s phenomenal musical imagination, compassion, and charismatic vision to find meaning and inspiration. Immerse yourself in his world and his music, and understand how his music evolved over his lifetime, with a documentary film, narrated chamber recitals featuring exciting guest artists, and various other settings of Beethoven’s work across the Festival.
Waterfall’s productions always present exciting, absorbing playing of great music, but are also rare, distinctive examples of what can be called music education, though they’re more conversational, truly a sharing of perspective, interest, anecdote. There’s a sense of immediacy to her delivery, weaving in and out of the playing, an intimately conceived present awareness of this heritage. It’s something unique that needs to be experienced.” -Ken Bullock, Berkeley Daily Planet
Beethoven, Now!, curated by Susan Waterfall, includes her documentary film on his life and music, and performances of seventeen of his works spread over nine symphony and chamber concerts. Two narrated chamber concerts will each include four of his works; pianist Anthony Ratinov will perform Sonata No. 8 in C minor, the Pathétique; the Calder Quartet will perform his last completed major work, his String Quartet No. 16 in F Major; pianist Rachel Breen will perform his last three Sonatas, Op. 109, 110 and 111; and the Festival Orchestra will perform his 6th and 7th symphonies, closing the Festival with his iconic 9th Symphony.