Ariel Quartet collaborates with two guest artists in February 13 concert

The Ariel Quartet returns to the stage 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13 in Robert J. Werner Recital Hall at CCM. Titled “Cetera Desunt: The rest is missing,” the program features the eponymous string quartet by Lera Auerbach, as well as the composer’s string quartet No. 10, “Frozen Dreams” and Schubert’s beloved “Trout” Quintet. Tickets are on sale through the CCM Box Office.

One of today’s most prolific and celebrated composers, Lera Auerbach’s music is performed across the globe by renowned orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, Oslo Philharmonic, and Vienna’s ORF Radio-Symphonieorchester, and such celebrated soloists as Hilary Hahn, Leonidas Kavakos and Kim Kashkashian.

Born in Russia, Auerbach began her career as a piano prodigy, and later studied composition at the Juilliard School. In addition to her compositional output, she is recognized as a pianist, conductor, published poet and visual artist—and has stated that all her pursuits inform “a cohesive and comprehensive worldview.”

Though she has written operas, ballets and symphonies, Auerbach is most prolific in the genre of the string quartet. “Auerbach has an absolutely captivating approach to quartet sound,” says Ariel violinist, Alexandra Kazovsky. “When we first heard her work, it seemed that she was recreating the string quartet, making it sound both familiar and entirely new.” 

The concert takes its title from Auerbach’s String Quartet No. 3, “Cetera Desunt” (Latin for “the rest is missing”). Subtitled “Sonnet for String Quartet,” the movements follow the structure and musically evoke the rhyme scheme of a sonnet.

The program also features Auerbach’s Quartet No. 10 “Frozen Dreams.” The ethereal work serves as the “winter” movement in “Four Seasons,” a larger work featuring compositions by four different composers.

Auerbach’s music resists easy categorization, drawing inspiration from the music of her native Russia while employing modern techniques. “Auerbach uses texture, harmonies and rhythms to create a dramatic variety of sonorities,” says Kazovsky. “Her music varies from the most magical and suspended to the most intense.”

Schubert’s iconic “Trout” Quintet is the program’s lively finale. For the beloved piece, the Ariel Quartet is joined by Auerbach on piano and guest artist Rafael DeStella on double bass.

In a genre dominated by composers of the classical and romantic eras, being able to collaborate directly with a living composer is a cherished opportunity for any string quartet. “We are thrilled to have Lera Auerbach at CCM,” says Kazovsky on behalf of the Ariel Quartet. “It is always an eye-opening experience to work with the composer on their music and hear them talk first-hand about their compositional world.”

AUERBACH: String Quartet No. 10, “Frozen Dreams” 
AUERBACH: String Quartet No. 3, “Cetera Desunt” 
SCHUBERT: Piano Quintet in A Major (“Trout”)

• 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 13

*Please note: Traffic on and around campus will be heavier than normal due to a UC Basketball game at Fifth Third Arena at 7 p.m on Tuesday, Feb. 13. CCM audience members are encouraged to purchase parking to UC's CCM Garage in advance through the CCM Box Office (purchase available at check out).

Robert J. Werner Recital Hall, CCM Village 
University of Cincinnati

Tickets: $29.50 adult, $15 student, $19.75 UC faculty/staff, $10 UC student, $5 CCM student; group discounts available.

 Experiencing the magic of CCM OnStage has never been easier! Purchase your tickets:

• Online at ccmonstage.universitytickets.com
• Over the phone at 513-556-4183
• In person at the CCM Box Office in the Atrium of UC's Corbett Center for the Performing Arts 

CCM’s Box Office hours are 1-5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday, and one hour prior to curtain for ticketed performances. Hours subject to change based on the University of Cincinnati calendar. Our Box Office staff is always ready to answer your questions by phone at 513-556-4183 or email at boxoff@uc.edu. 

CCM is located on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. For detailed driving directions, visit ccm.uc.edu/directions.

*Please note: Traffic on and around campus will be heavier than normal due to a UC Basketball game at Fifth Third Arena at 7 p.m on Tuesday, Feb. 13. CCM audience members are encouraged to purchase parking to UC's CCM Garage in advance through the CCM Box Office (purchase available at check out).

Parking is available in UC's CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Effective July 1, 2023, all University of Cincinnati Parking Services locations will become cashless. Pay for parking securely with your credit/debit card. All major credit cards accepted.

CCM OnStage patrons can add pre-paid parking to their checkout carts when purchasing tickets. Pre-paid parking is date/performance specific. CCM Garage parking rates for a performance or special event is usually available for $10-15. Learn more about parking at UC's CCM Garage.

For additional information on parking at UC, please visit uc.edu/about/parking.

There's more to explore — view CCM's full schedule of fall major events at ccm.uc.edu/onstage. 

Stay up to date on CCM news and events by subscribing to our Next OnStage email newsletter, which is published every other Wednesday. Visit ccm.uc.edu/subscribe to sign up for email updates.

Interested in early access to CCM's ticket sales? Join CCMpower and gain advanced access to 2024-25 ticket sales. CCMpower members also receive 10% off general ticket prices for the full year. Learn more about CCMpower membership benefits.

All event dates and programs are subject to change. For a complete calendar of events, please visit ccm.uc.edu/onstage.