The Piano & Strings Program at the Steans Institute focuses on interpreting classical sonatas and chamber music through deep collaboration in small groups. Each season, about 30 violinists, violists, cellists, and pianists come together for an immersive experience. They engage in intensive rehearsals and receive guidance from leading artists, who help them refine their craft and enhance their interpretive skills and creative insights.

In addition to a series of public master classes that focus on growing the fellows’ experience and interpretations of specific repertoire, the musicians participate in several afternoon and evening concerts presented during the summer, featuring the artists in varying instrumental and personnel groupings across the season.

This performance features the world premiere of a string quartet by Joel Thompson, co-commisioned by Ravinia and Chamber Music America. Thompson received the American Prize in 2018 in recognition of his well-known choral work Seven Last Words of the Unarmed, and the Sphinx Medal of Excellence in 2023. A member of the Blacknificent 7 composers collective, Thompson has also been Houston Grand Opera’s first-ever full-time Composer-in-Residence since 2022.

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