Articles & Reviews

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In May  2024, our quartet’s  performance of Alexander Ekman’s “Cacti” with  the  Oklahoma City  Ballet was reviewed in the Oklahoma City Free Press, who wrote:

“The quartet’s presence in the heart of the action makes this dance a rich, all-encompassing, and simply gorgeous sensory experience.”

You can read the full review here.

In May  2024, our quartet’s  performance of Alexander Ekman’s “Cacti” with  the  Oklahoma City  Ballet was previewed in the Oklahoman, who wrote:

“They're really becoming a national and international name…”

You can read the full preview here.

In February  2024, our quartet’s  performance  with  the  Kansas  CIty  Ballet was reviewed by Bachtrack:

You can read the full review here.

In June 2023, our quartet was profiled by Hilary Stroh for a second review in Gramophone, who wrote:

"Their recent debut at Carnegie Hall was a fine reflection of their five-year journey from regional emergence to national recognition."

Contact us for the full article

In January 2022, our residency at The Midwest trust Center was previewed by Patrick Neas, who wrote:

"The superlative ensemble, founded by violinist Keith Stanfield, are artists-in-residence at Midwest Trust Center at Johnson County Community College, and they have planned a series of concerts for 2022 that will feature some of the most popular works of the chamber music repertoire."

Read the full article here.

In October 2021, our performance of Philip Glass's Quartets 2,3 & 5 with The Kansas City Ballet at The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts was reviewed by Hilary Stroh for "Bachtrack", who wrote that our performance of the Glass Quartets were:

"complements to the movements, athletic, sinuous, centripetal and centrifugal, both tense and harmonious. It was a powerful, postmodern mix.."

Read the full article here.

In October 2021, our performance of Philip Glass's Quartets 2,3 & 5 with The Kansas City Ballet at The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts was reviewed by Kelly Luck for "Broadway World", who wrote that:

"Of note is the accompaniment provided by the Opus 76 Quartet and pianist Ramona Pansegrau. This was a relentless, memorable performance, and easily this reviewer's favorite piece of the evening."

Read the full article here.

In October 2021, our performance of Philip Glass's Quartets 2,3 & 5 with The Kansas City Ballet at The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts was reviewed by Paul Horsley of the "KC Independent", who wrote that:

"Opus 76 and Ramona Pansegrau on the single solo-piano movement, brought a full-bodied flavor to Philip Glass’ music that notably enhanced the choreography"

Read the full article here.

In September 2021, our performance of Mozart & Dvorak was reviewed in an editorial piece for the Thomasville Times-Enterprise, who remarked on the Quartet: 

"surpassed [expectations]...racking up a win with four educational outreach classes, a soccer skills camp and an audience of nearly 125 for a Saturday morning strings concert."

Read the full article here.

In September 2021 our album "Brahms- The Piano Quintet" was released and reviewed by Jean-Yves Duperron for "The Classical Music Sentinel", who wrote: 

"...the members of The Opus 76 Quartet and Norwegian pianist Julie Coucheron really shine. They very well expose the many expressive dichotomies omnipresent within this work... the four string players really come into their own with fiery and spirited, almost electric tension."

Read the full article here.

In September 2021 our album "Beethoven: The Complete String Quartets" was reviewed by David Rowe for Classical CD Reviews, who wrote: 

"And that is the single most prominent characteristic of these performances which predominates every measure of these scores - the Opus 76 Quartet exhibits an unending, profound love of Beethoven. It is evident everywhere in their playing...This group deserves a record label to bring their talents to a wider audience. "

Read the full article here.

In September 2021, The Opus 76 Quartet was profiled by Brooke Knoll in an hour long episode about the group called "Defining Moments with Opus 76" who spoke with Keith Stanfield about choosing the violin over a professional soccer career, forming Kansas City's Opus 76 string quartet, and recording a full Beethoven string quartet cycle during the pandemic.

Listen to the full interview here.

In September 2021, our residency at The Midwest Trust Center was reviewed by Paul Horsley for "The KC Independent", who wrote that:

"The quartet’s achievements to date are indeed impressive... Having been named Quartet-in-Residence for such a prestigious organization represents a ‘win’ for the musicians...[who have] essentially reached ‘Major League Chamber Music’ status.”

Read the full article here.

In June 2021, our performance of Brahms's Piano Quintet in F minor with Norwegian Pianist Julie Coucheron was reviewed by Mark Gresham for Georgia based music journal "EarRelevant", who wrote that the Brahms was: 

"robustly and superbly played by Coucheron and the Opus 76 Quartet... The musical communication...was excellent."

Read the full article here.

In November 2020 our album "Beethoven: The Complete String Quartets" was released and reviewed by Patrick Neas of the Kansas City Star, who wrote: 

"...the Beethoven String Quartets are the “Super Bowl” of classical chamber music... in the middle of a pandemic, Opus 76 took the plunge and embarked on a series of performances of Beethoven’s quartets at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and recorded all of them...These are certainly passionate performances, fully expressing all of Beethoven’s many emotions from the the lighthearted and jocular to the feverish and intense... This set of CDs is most certainly a touchdown, and one can hardly wait for what this all-star team attempts next."

Read the full article here.

In October 2020 we gave a performance to an in person audience of Haydn's op.76 no.2 and Schubert's "Death and the Maiden". The Concert was reviewed by Paul Pattison of KC Arts Beat, who wrote: 

"...The entire concert was mesmerizing. It’s challenging to put into words how satisfying it was. The two works presented were worlds apart in style, and yet seemed to belong together. The Haydn quartet was played crisply and with courtly elegance, yet tinged with playfulness, while the Schubert was played with unabashed, agitated emotion.

Throughout the entire evening the musicians were attentive to every nuance. Just by looking at their eyes, I was able to see how each watched the other, not only for precise entries but also for any subtle hint from the first violin. These clear-cut entries were followed by stirring ensemble work. This translated into music of the highest caliber. The beauty of their tone combined with an intimate understanding of the music, provided a most satisfying and engrossing experience. I know my praise may seem effusive, but believe me, it’s well deserved..."

Read the full article here.

In September 2020 we completed a complete performance of all the Beethoven String Quartets over a six week period. The Final Concert was reviewed by Paul Pattison of KC Arts Beat, who wrote: 

"Opus 76 erupted into a glorious, heroic outburst...played with exuberance....Each musician was intimately attuned to the others. Long lines were lovingly extended and the harmonies treated as attentively as the melody. A fine depth of feeling was achieved in this profoundly moving realization."

Read the full article here.

In September 2020 we finished a complete performance of all the Beethoven String Quartets over a six week period. Concert VI was reviewed by Libby Hanssen of KC Studio, who wrote: 

"[The Opus 76 Quartet's] collective skill that transmitted the work’s volatile emotional range, from somber, hymn-like melodies, in the second movement, to the urgency of the third, and culminating in the attention-grabbing unison run as the piece concludes, all of a sudden, so soft."

Read the full article here.

In August 2020 we started a complete performance of all the Beethoven String Quartets over a six week period. Concert III was reviewed by Paul Pattison of KC Arts Beat, who wrote: 

"The significance of this event is hard to overestimate...lyricism at it's finest"

Read the full article here.

In August 2020 we started a complete performance of all the Beethoven String Quartets over a six week period. Concert I was reviewed by Paul Pattison of KC Arts Beat, who wrote: 

"Opus 76, Kansas City's world class string quartet...sublimely beautiful tone coupled with superb blending of sound..."

Read the full article here.

In August 2020 we were featured and reviewed for our upcoming Complete Beethoven Quartet Cycle by Patrick Neas, who wrote: 

"Kansas City's gem of a quartet celebrates Beethoven's 250th anniversary..."

Read the full article here.

In June 2020 we gave the fist live classical performance in Kansas City since March of that year. The performance was featured in The Strad, who asked us to comment on our experience.

Read the full article here.

In March 2020 we recorded a live performance of Beethoven's "Holy song of thanksgiving of a convalescent to the Deity, in the Lydian Mode" from op.132 for The Spectator's Religion podcast. Norman Lebrecht reviewed this performance on "Slipped Disc" remarking:

"Kansas City's Opus 76 String Quartet...[a] breathtaking performance."

Read the full article here.

In March 2020 we recorded a live performance of Beethoven's "Holy song of thanksgiving of a convalescent to the Deity, in the Lydian Mode" from op.132 for The Spectator's Religion podcast "Holy Smoke" authored by journalist Damian Thompson who wrote:

"a brilliant young String Quartet.. [a] luminous performance."

Read the full article and listen to the podcast here.

In March 2020 our online performances  and community outreach (including delivering groceries to our elderly fans) was reviewed by Julie Denesha of the KCUR 89.3 (an NPR affiliate), who wrote:

"Each Wednesday the group donates a performance on Facebook to raise money for a different area non-profit."

Read the full article and listen to the broadcast here.

In March 2020 our online performances  and community outreach (including delivering groceries to our elderly fans) was reviewed by Patrick Neas of the Kansas City Star, who wrote:

"The Opus 76 string quartet was founded three years ago and has already established itself as one of Kansas City’s most important chamber ensembles."

Read the full article here.

Our February 2020 performance of Ravel's Quartet and Beethoven op.135 was reviewed by Paul Pattison, who wrote:

"playing with considerable depth of emotion...unrestrained playing at its best...many in the audience responded with a standing ovation... with authority and verve...the blend of the performers was incredible, the brief pauses deeply moving."

Read the full article here.

Our Fall 2020 Beethoven Cycle was previewed by Paul Horsley, who wrote:

"the first time a locally-based group has pulled off such a feat..."

Read the full article here.

A Gramophone journalist did a review of Classical Music organizations in Kansas City, and highlighted 6 organizations, one of which was The Opus 76 Quartet!

See it below at the bottom of the page, originally published February 2020.

One of our live performances of Haydn op.76 no.4 "Sunrise" was featured by The Strad Magazine, who wrote:

"A beautiful Sunrise from the Opus 76 Quartet...If it isn't morning where you are, you're still allowed to watch in. In fact, we insist that you do!"

See it here, originally posted October 31st 2019.

We were profiled by Libby Hanssen in KC Studio Magazine in November 2019, who wrote:

"Determined to make a difference....After a successful exploratory first year, the Opus 76 Quartet soars into it's sophomore season with a well defined repertoire, growing audience and community-focused outlook."

Read the full article here: pages 32 & 3

Our October 2019 performance of Shostakovich's Quartet no.8 and Schubert's "Death and the Maiden" was reviewed by Paul Pattison, who wrote:

"an exhilarating concert...magnificently realized by the performers...all played with absolute conviction and authority... It's deeply satisfying to witness the authority and conviction the musicians convey. Bravo to Opus 76 for their daring programming and riveting performances."

Read the full article here.

Our June 2019 performance of Haydn's op.76 no 6 & Beethoven's op. 127 was reviewed by Paul Pattison for KC Arts Beat, who remarked:

"The insight of the musicians of the Opus 76 Quartet cannot be overstated. Taking a journey through the Haydn Opus 76 quartets while allowing a comparison with Beethoven's quartets was a special treat. All performances I attended were marked by the highest degree of professionalism and musical acumen. The dedication of these musicians in bringing music not often heard to the public is commendable and appreciated. I eagerly await the opening of their second season in late August."

Full article here - search for Opus 76

Our April 2019 performance of Haydn's op.76 no 4 & Beethoven's op.59 no.2  was reviewed by Paul Pattison for KC Arts Beat, who described us as:

"this remarkable group of dedicated and accomplished musicians ... played with charm and vitality...a group well worth hearing again and again."

Full article here - search for Opus 76

We were profiled by Paul Horsley in the Kansas City Independent at the start of 2018, who wrote:

"There's good reason to believe that Opus 76, Kansas City's 'new resident string quartet' is on course to blaze a trail" 

Full article here