Evento

Cypress String Quartet - presented by Gualala Arts Chamber Music Series

Known for its elegant performances, the Cypress String Quartet's sound has been called "beautifully proportioned and powerful" by The Washington Post, and the ensemble has been singled out by Chamber Music Magazine as "a Generation X ensemble to watch."

The Cypress (Cecily Ward, violin; Tom Stone, violin; Ethan Filner, viola; and Jennifer Kloetzel, cello) formed in 1996 in San Francisco and during its first rehearsals together created a now-signature sound . . . Built up from the bottom register of the quartet and layered like a pyramid, the resulting sound is clear and transparent, allowing the texture of the music to be discerned immediately.

The Cypress String Quartet's unusual approach to their career is influenced by their fierce dedication to the ensemble. From the beginning, the foursome made a commitment to each other to perform only as a quartet (meaning that they would not take on teaching or freelance jobs as orchestral members or with other chamber ensembles). They realized early on that they needed to create their own performance opportunities and organized as a non-profit - the Cypress Performing Arts Association.

Now, on top of a busy schedule of more than 90 concerts each year at venues across the U.S. and internationally, including major concert halls and series such as the Kennedy Center, Library of Congress, Stanford Lively Arts, Krannert Center and Ravinia Festival, the Cypress String Quartet is a vibrant member of the San Francisco arts community and is dedicated to reflecting and enriching the city's cultural landscape.