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THE OPUS 76 QUARTET Young Artist Festival: Closing Concert
Welcome
Good evening, and welcome to the final concert of the inaugural Opus 76 Quartet Young Artist Festivalhere at the beautiful St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Kansas City. Over the past week, young musicians from across the region have gathered to immerse themselves in the world of chamber music—rehearsing intensively, learning from master teachers, and forging the collaborative spirit that lies at the heart of this art form.
Tonight’s concert is both a culmination and a celebration: the moment when these emerging artists share the fruits of their dedication, artistry, and teamwork with you—our audience.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our generous sponsors, whose support has made this festival possible: The Sherman Foundation, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, and the Youth Symphony of Kansas City. Their belief in the power of music education and performance has helped create an environment where young musicians can grow, connect, and inspire.
A very special thanks goes to our guest artist coaches—Adonis Garcia, Dana Woolard, Ho Ahn, and Károly Schranz—whose expertise, generosity, and artistry have shaped this week’s work. Their guidance, insight, and musicality have made this a truly memorable and inspiring experience for our students.
We also wish to thank the families, friends, and patrons who have encouraged these performers every step of the way.
On behalf of the Opus 76 Quartet, thank you for joining us tonight to celebrate the next generation of chamber musicians. Your presence supports not only the artists on stage, but the continued vitality of live music in our community.
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Programme Notes
1. W. A. Mozart — String Quartet No. 3 in G major, K. 156 (1756–1791)
I. Presto (3’)
A youthful gem composed when Mozart was just sixteen, this quartet exudes classical exuberance. The Presto first movement—a sparkling, buoyant romp—exemplifies Mozart’s early wit and ingenuity.
Performers: Yiqiao Wang, Ava Ciccio, Prasad, violins; Dana Woolard, cello (coach)
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2. David Stone — First Miniature String Quartet (1922–2016)
I. Moderato – II. Adagio – III. Allegro (6’)
In three compact movements, Stone offers a modern yet lyrical introspection. With its nods to tradition balanced by 20th-century harmonies, this work showcases the young artists’ sensitivity in navigating nuanced emotional landscapes.
Performers: Ava Ciccio, Yiqiao Wang, Athul Prasad, violins; Dana Woolard, cello (coach)
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3. Aleksandr Borodin — String Trio in G minor (on Russian Folk Song Chem tebya ya ogorchila) (1833–1887)
(8’)
Rooted in heartfelt Russian folk tradition, this trio reimagines “Why did I sadden you?” through lush, expressive lines. In this intimate arrangement, the players evoke the folk song’s melancholy and warmth.
Performers: Annalea Boehner, violin 1; Gloria Burt, violin 2; Adonis Garcia, cello (coach)
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4. Ludwig van Beethoven — String Quartet No. 4 in C minor, Op. 18, No. 4 (1770–1827)
I. Allegro, ma non tanto (9’)
Beethoven’s early mastery in full bloom: dramatic tension balanced with classical elegance, cast in C minor yet leaning toward triumph.
Performers: Yad Kamla, violin 1; Keith Stanfield, violin 2 (coach); Ashley Stanfield, viola (coach); Caleb Jung, cello
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5. Bedřich Smetana — String Quartet No. 1 in E minor (1824–1884)
I. Allegro vivo appassionato (9’)
Smetana imbues this opening movement with passionate drive, rhythmic vitality, and a fervent expression of Czech identity.
Performers: Brodie Stone, violin 1; Katherine Medina, violin 2; Alex Velasco-Crates, viola; Graham Heller, cello
Coaches: Ho Ahn and Károly Schranz
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6. Franz Schubert — String Quintet in C major, D. 956 (1797–1828)
I. Allegro ma non troppo (12’)
A cornerstone of chamber music, expansive and serene yet charged with emotion, featuring two cellos for extraordinary depth.
Performers: Emily Coleman, violin 1; Matthew Fang, violin 2; Max Brown, viola; Drew Hodges, cello 1; Dan Ketter, cello 2 (coach)
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Intermission
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7. W. A. Mozart — String Quintet No. 3 in C major, K. 515 (1756–1791)
I. Allegro (9’)
A mature Mozart at his most expansive—dignified, balanced, and richly lyrical.
Performers: Leonardo Aptilon, violin 1; Roman Bunn, violin 2; Zsolt Eder, viola 1 (coach); Aleena Legion, viola 2; Chloe Han, cello
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8. Felix Mendelssohn — String Quartet No. 1 in E-flat major, Op. 12 (1809–1847)
I. Adagio non troppo – Allegro non tardante (7’)
IV. Molto allegro e vivace (8’)
Mendelssohn’s lyrical Romanticism shines here—lightness, brilliance, and effervescent interplay.
Performers: Nathan Price, violin 1; Kathleen Smith, violin 2; Ashley Stanfield, viola (coach); Michael Fang, cello
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9. Johannes Brahms — String Sextet No. 1 in B-flat major, Op. 18 (1833–1897)
I. Allegro ma non troppo (10’)
II. Andante ma moderato (10’)
Brahms’ sextet blends warmth and introspection, with rich textures from its six voices.
Performers: Emma Andersen, Lillia Monroe, violins; Natalie Coleman, Preston Elliott, violas; Elise Thierbach, Sylvia Brown, cellos
Coaches: Ho Ahn and Károly Schranz
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10. Edward Elgar — Serenade for Strings in E minor, Op. 20 (1857–1934)
I. Allegro piacevole – II. Larghetto – III. Allegretto (13’)
Elgar’s Serenade glows with warmth, pastoral charm, and lyrical grace—an elegant farewell to the festival’s first edition.
Performers: Festival String Orchestra (drawn from all participating young artists)
Coaches: Opus 76 Quartet Faculty
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Closing Thanks
Thank you for being part of this landmark evening in Kansas City’s musical life. Your presence here supports not only the Young Artist Festival but also the broader mission of fostering live chamber music through the work of the Friends of the Opus 76 Quartet.
We warmly invite you to join us for future performances, including the Opus 76 Quartet’s recital series at the Midwest Trust Center, where artistry and intimacy meet on one of the region’s finest stages. Together, let’s continue to celebrate, support, and share the joy of live music for years to come.
Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States
In honor of the United States' 250th anniversary, the Opus 76 Quartet's 2025–26 season embarks on a sweeping musical journey through America’s chamber music heritage. This commemorative series will highlight landmark works that have shaped the nation's musical identity, including vivid recreations of some of the first professional string quartet recitals ever performed in the U.S. — originally brought to life by the pioneering Kneisel Quartet. Adding to the season's grandeur, the Quartet will be joined by internationally celebrated violinist Alexander Markov, renowned for his electrifying performances and virtuosic interpretations of Paganini. Together, they will celebrate the pinnacle of violin artistry, performing a selection of Paganini's works arranged for quartet and solo violin that showcase the dazzling flair and expressive depth that have become Markov's signature. Join us as we pay tribute to the roots of American chamber music, celebrating its evolution from intimate salons to concert halls, and envisioning the bold future still to come.
Benjamin Franklin
Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven
Founding Father, Unexpected Composer
What do bifocals, the lightning rod, and a string quartet in E-flat have in common? Benjamin Franklin. Join the Opus 76 Quartet as we bring history to life with a rare performance of Franklin’s very own quartet — a charming and witty piece that proves America’s first diplomat also had serious musical chops. Don’t miss this unforgettable blend of history, humor, and harmony!
Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven
From U.S. Premieres to a Bold New Performance
In tribute to the trailblazing Kneisel Quartet — who gave America its first taste of Beethoven’s string quartets — the Opus 76 Quartet will perform two of the master’s most iconic works: the sublime Op. 18 No. 3 and the heroic Op. 59 No. 1 (“Razumovsky”). These pieces stunned audiences at their U.S. premieres over a century ago, and we’re honored to bring them to life once again as part of our 250th anniversary season. Experience the music that helped ignite America’s love affair with chamber music!
Josef Haydn
Ludwig van Beethoven
Antonin Dvorak
The Father of the String Quartet, Reimagined
Step into the sound world that helped define a nation’s classical voice. The Opus 76 Quartet proudly presents Haydn’s Op. 76 Nos. 2 (“Fifths”) and 3 (“Emperor”) — two masterpieces once introduced to American ears by the legendary Kneisel Quartet. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, these works remind us how timeless elegance, invention, and spirit laid the groundwork for America’s chamber music journey. Come hear the quartets that helped start it all — as vibrant today as ever!
Antonin Dvorak
Edward MacDowell
Antonin Dvorak
A Czech Masterpiece, Born on American Soil
Few works capture the spirit of America quite like Dvořák’s “American” Quartet op.96 — composed during his transformative stay in the U.S. and infused with the rhythms, melodies, and optimism of a young nation finding its voice. As part of our 250th anniversary season, the Opus 76 Quartet brings this iconic piece to life, celebrating the fusion of Old World mastery and New World inspiration that helped shape America’s musical identity. Join us for a performance that’s as soulful as it is celebratory!
Johannes Brahms
Edward MacDowell
Edward MacDowell
Brahms in America — A Legacy of Passion and Precision
Brahms’ String Quartet No. 1 in C minor is a storm of intensity, lyricism, and structural brilliance — a cornerstone of the Romantic chamber music repertoire. First introduced to American audiences by the pioneering Kneisel Quartet, this work helped elevate chamber music to new heights on U.S. soil. As part of our 250th anniversary season, the Opus 76 Quartet honors that legacy with a fresh performance of this monumental piece — fierce, fiery, and profoundly expressive. Come hear the quartet that helped define a musical era.
Edward MacDowell
Edward MacDowell
Edward MacDowell
An American Voice, Intimate and Enduring
A rare gem of the American chamber music repertoire, Edward MacDowell’s “Romanza” for string quartet offers a glimpse into the lyrical heart of one of America’s first great composers. Deeply expressive and unapologetically romantic, this intimate work reflects the budding cultural confidence of a young nation. As part of our season honoring the United States’ 250th anniversary, the Opus 76 Quartet is proud to revive this seldom-heard treasure — a poignant reminder that America’s musical voice has always been rich, nuanced, and deeply human.
the opus 76 quartet: music of regency
Step into the Salon with Opus 76
‘Transport yourself to the elegance of 18th-century Britain with Music of Regency — an immersive concert experience by the Opus 76 Quartet. Performed in the round, with the audience surrounding the musicians seated at an authentic antique chamber music table, this intimate setting recreates the way chamber music was first heard and shared among friends. Featuring works premiered during and around the British Regency era (1730’s -1830’s), the program is paired with aperitifs and Regency-inspired cocktails, allowing guests to sip and savor while seated just inches from the ensemble. With the freedom to change seats at intermission for a new view, each listener experiences the music from a unique, personal perspective — a celebration of timeless music, elegant design, and the art of true listening.
2026/2027 SEASON PROGRAM:
BEETHOVEN 200: THE COMPLETE STRING QUARTETS
A Monumental Tribute
In the 2026/27 season, the Opus 76 Quartet embarks on one of classical music’s most profound journeys — performing the complete string quartets of Ludwig van Beethoven in honor of the 200th anniversary of his death. Having recorded the full cycle for Kansas Public Radio and brought it to audiences around the globe, the Quartet brings profound insight, passion, and reverence to these iconic works. From the fiery early quartets and heroic middle works, through the transcendent late masterpieces, this season is a once-in-a-generation celebration of Beethoven’s genius — experienced through the music that forever changed the art of the string quartet.