(Posted October 5, 2000)

Taking its name from the noted conductor and founder of the Czech Philharmonic, Vaclav Talich, and from whom two of the current members are descended, the Talich Quartet was formed at the Prague Conservatory in 1964. The quartet, composed of Jan Talich (violin), Petr Macecek (violin), Vladimir Bukac (viola), and Petr Prause (cello), is said by The Boston Globe to be, "...so serenely good that, as a listener, one has no choice but to put oneself in their hands." The Talich Quartet will perform as part of the Juniata College Artist Series at 8:15 p.m., Oct. 12 in Oller Hall.

The Talich Quartet is recognized internationally as one of Europe?s finest quartets and it performs regularly in major cities throughout the world. The ensemble made its North American debut in 1987 and received rave reviews and acclaims for its performances. The Vancouver critic declared, "If it isn?t already a national treasure, the Talich Quartet should be... What we had, simply, was perfection." The Talich appears annually at the Dvorak String Quartet Festival in Prague, and last year participated in the Casals Festival, the Prague Spring Music Festival, and the Europalia Festival. They also toured Japan last year.

The Talich Quartet is particularly noted for its interpretations of the great Czech composers ? Smetana, Dvorak, Martinu, Janacek ? and has recorded many of their works. Its extensive discography also includes the complete string quartets of Mozart, Beethoven, and Bartok, which have won numerous awards including a "Golden Disc" from Suraphon and several "Grand Prix du Disque" and "Diapason d?Or."

Accompanying the Talich for the Artist Series performance will be internationally renowned pianist Gilbert Kalish. A native New Yorker and graduate of Columbia College, Kalish has studied with Leonard Shure, Julius Hereford, and Isabella Vengerova. Since 1969 he has been the pianist of the Boston Symphony Chamber Players and was the founding member of the Contemporary Chamber Ensemble. His thirty-year partnership with the great mezzo-soprano Jan De Gaetani was universally recognized as one of the most remarkable artistic collaborations of our time.

General admission tickets for the Talich Quartet are priced at $12 each and $5 for children under 18 and senior citizens. To obtain information about the Artist Series or to purchase tickets, contact the Information Desk at Juniata College at 641-3333.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.