Daniel Avshalomov's master class will answer the question: 'Why String Quartets?'

MIDDLETOWN — “Why String Quartets?” is the title of the master class to be given by Daniel Avshalomov on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 10 a.m. He is the violist of the American String Quartet which will perform works by Bach, Bartok, and Beethoven three days earlier in Orange Hall Theatre. The master class will take place in Orange Hall, Room 23, at Orange County Community College. Orange Hall, located at the corner of Wawayanda & Grandview Avenues, Middletown. Arrive early as parking is difficult. During the class, which is free and open to the public,Avshalomov will discuss how the roles of each of the players have evolved. He will also give examples of many of the composers of string quartets and then play excerpts from significant works on his Andrea Amati viola, which was built in 1568. Attendees are welcome to ask questions. Avshalomov received his B.M. and M.M. degrees at Juilliard. He was a founding member of the Orpheus Chamber Ensemble and principal violist for the Aspen, Tanglewood, and Spoleto Festivals as well as the Brooklyn Philharmonic, the Opera Orchestra of New York, the American Composers Orchestra, and solo violist with the Bolshoi Ballet. He has been on the faculties of the Manhattan School of Music since 1984 and of the Aspen School since 1976. This presentation is one of four master classes in the Cultural Affairs series this semester. Questions may be directed to 341-4891, cultural@sunyorange.edu and www.sunyorange.edu/culturalaffairs.