The Pro Arte Quartet (PAQ) was founded by conservatory students in Brussels in 1912 and became one of Europe’s most celebrated ensembles. Named Court Quartet to the Queen of Belgium, PAQ attracted the attention of notable composers, among them Bartok, who dedicated his fourth quartet to PAQ, and Barber, whose Op. 11(“Adagio for Strings”) PAQ premiered. Stranded in the U.S. when Nazi forces invaded Belgium in 1940, PAQ was offered residency at the University of Wisconsin, where it has remained since. One of the world’s most distinguished quartets, PAQ is the first and only quartet to reach its centennial anniversary, celebrated with new works, exhibits, a documentary, radio broadcasts, CD releases, and a new book on its storied history. PAQ’s performance is part of the Wisconsin Sound Series which showcases and supports local musicians and artists.
Program:
String Trio in C Minor, Op. 9 No. 3 (1797-8) Ludwig van Beethoven
Allegro con spirito
Adagio con espressione
Scherzo: Allegro molto e vivace
Finale: Presto
David Perry, Violin
Sally Chisholm, Viola
Parry Karp, Violoncello
Piano Trio in C Minor, Op. 1 No. 3 (1793-4) Ludwig van Beethoven
Allegro con brio
Andante cantabile con Variazioni
Menuetto: Quasi Allegro
Finale: Prestissimo
Thomas Kasdorf, Piano
Suzanne Beia, Violin
Parry Karp, Violoncello
