The Cypress String Quartet is poised at the leading edge of chamber music with uncompromising performances and a commitment to making meaningful connections with audiences. Formed in 1996, the members of the quartet; Cecily Ward, Tom Stone, Ethan Filner and Jennifer Kloetzel have shown an unfailing dedication to exploring the masterworks of the time-honored, classic chamber music repertoire with its unique and refreshingly open sound. Widely celebrated for its passionate dedication to the genre and the power of its performances, the Quartet combines technical precision with imaginative programming to create unforgettable concert experiences. The members of the Cypress Quartet play on exceptional instruments, including violins by Antonio Stradivarius (1681) and Carlos Bergonzi (1733), a viola by Vittorio Bellarosa (1947) and a cello by Hieronymus Amati II (1701).

On top of a busy schedule of over 90 concerts each year at venues across America and internationally, including 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. This year, in addition to several Bay Area performances, including a debut on the Cal Performances series in Berkeley, the Cypress String Quartet returns to the Montalvo Arts Center to deliver a series of eight concerts exploring the late quartets of Beethoven and the inspirational influence of visual arts on composers from Debussy to George Tsontakis.

Through its ‘Call & Response’ commissioning and outreach program, the Cypress String Quartet has created a dialogue between the old masters and living composers, performing known and loved repertoire in a fresh context and introducing ground-breaking new works to the chamber music genre. To commemorate Felix Mendelssohn’s 200th birthday in 2009, the Cypress String Quartet with the Lied Center of Kansas, the Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center and the Library of Congress have co-commissioned a new quartet from accomplished composer Kevin Puts. Paired on a program with Mendelssohn and Beethoven quartets, Mr. Puts’ new work will premiere in February 2009 in Washington DC as part of the “Mendelssohn on the Mall” project in conjunction with the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian Museum. Over just a decade, the Cypress String Quartet has commissioned and premiered more than 25 new works, four of which are now included on Chamber Music America’s list of “101 Great American Ensemble Works”

In January 2007, with an aim to bringing chamber music alive for new audiences, the Cypress String Quartet fused tradition with technology in its critically acclaimed premiere of Inspired by America, a spirited multimedia collaboration with best-selling author Jacob Needleman and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Schwarz. Inspired by America combines live music, original film, spoken word and dramatic lighting to present an evocative, thought provoking portrait of the American spirit.

The Cypress String Quartet represents the voice of the new generation of American culture, aspiring to the highest standards while mastering the broadest skills across eras. As comfortable playing Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven in recital halls as it is being the foundation of multi-media collaborations, the Quartet’s artistic excellence brings enjoyment, passion and inspiration to every audience.
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