Kronos Quartet | MEMETERIA by Thomas May

April 12, 2025 • 11:33 am Comments Off on Fiddles and Folklore: Kronos as a Hardanger Band

Fiddles and Folklore: Kronos as a Hardanger Band

*Kronos Quartet’s Paul Wiancko and Ayane Kozasa playing on their new Hardanger instruments designed by Ottar Kåsa; photo (c) Ingo J. Biermann*

I spoke with Kronos Quartet violinist Gabriela Díaz for The Strad about Elja, the ensemble’s new Hardanger fiddle collaboration with Benedicte Maurseth and Kristine Tjøgersen, which recently premiered at Carnegie Hall:

Few ensembles are as voracious for new experiences as the Kronos Quartet. This season has brought dramatic change for the adventure-loving American group, which launched its second half-century with two new members: violinist Gabriela Díaz and violist Ayane Kozasa, who joined founder and violinist David Harrington and cellist Paul Wiancko (a member since 2023)….
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Filed under: instruments, Kronos Quartet, Strad

November 22, 2024 • 5:52 pm Comments Off on Sounds of Change: Ayane Kozasa and Paul Wiancko on the New Kronos Quartet Formation

Sounds of Change: Ayane Kozasa and Paul Wiancko on the New Kronos Quartet Formation

*Kronos Quartet; image by Danica Taylor*

A new interview for The Strad: I spoke with Ayane Kozasa and Paul Wiancko of the Kronos Quartet about the dramatic change in the ensemble’s lineup that began with the current season:

Having celebrated its 50th anniverary last season, the Kronos Quartet has already begun its latest chapter with a dramatic change in the ensemble’s makeup. Longtime members John Sherba (violin) and Hank Dutt (viola) retired at the end of June, leaving violinist David Harrington, who founded Kronos, as the sole remaining member from the early years. Dutt had been part of Kronos since 1977, while Sherba joined them in 1978. Cellist and composer Paul Wiancko began his relationship with the quartet in 2019 and took the place of Sunny Yang in February 2023. Violinist David Harrington, who founded Kronos, is the only member who now remains. ..

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Filed under: chamber music, Kronos Quartet, new music, Strad

October 17, 2023 • 12:36 am Comments Off on Kronos at 50

Kronos at 50

My profile of the Kronos Quartet at 50 is available in The Strad.

Ask violinist David Harrington what he’s listening to these days, and you’ll get an instant glimpse into the insatiable hunger for discovery that defines and fuels Kronos Quartet, the trailblazing ensemble he founded in 1973. With Kronos Quartet, it’s the ears that are the window to the soul.

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Filed under: Kronos Quartet, new music, string quartet