Delgani String Quartet - Tomas Svoboda: Three Quartets (2022) Hi-Res

Delgani’s recording of works by the iconic Portland-based Czech composer Tomas Svoboda stands alone as the only album of his quartets by an American ensemble. The works were recorded in June 2021 in the historic Wildish Theater and produced remotely from London by former Cypress String Quartet violinist Cecily Ward. It is Delgani’s most recent release and showcases three of the finest works by one of the 20th century’s most prolific and celebrated composers.

An ideal match of magnificent music, appropriate acoustic, and committed players, Delgani’s original 2017 performance [of Svoboda’s sixth quartet] was one of the most powerful chamber music experiences I’ve enjoyed in Portland.
– San Francisco Classical Voice (Brett Campbell)

Considered “the state’s finest chamber ensemble” by Oregon Arts Watch, the Delgani String Quartet presents exciting performances of both classic and contemporary repertoire in intimate concert settings. The quartet curates their own subscription series in Portland, Salem, Corvallis, and Eugene while regularly appearing as guest artists throughout the state. Delgani has also performed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC and at Charles University in Prague.

Committed to community engagement, Delgani provides educational opportunities to students throughout the Willamette Valley. The quartet’s Classical Spark program brings the string quartet to third grade classrooms in Lane and Benton Counties to foster an early interest in music. Delgani holds an annual residency with student composers at the University of Oregon, workshopping and premiering new works for the quartet. In previous seasons the quartet has held residencies at Umpqua Community College and the Springfield Academy of Arts and Academics. Each summer, Delgani manages a Summer Quartet Academy for middle and high school students. Delgani also hosts biannual Adult Chamber Music Workshops for amateur enthusiasts and curates an adult education series prior to each season performance.

Delgani was formed in 2014 with a mission to cultivate an appreciation for chamber music through distinctive performance, innovative programming, educational engagement, and collaboration. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and has received foundation support from the Oregon Cultural Trust, Oregon Community Foundation, Oregon Arts Commission, Lane Arts Council, Springfield Arts Commission, and Springfield Education Foundation. Delgani is the recipient of consecutive Cultural Development Grants from OCT and consecutive Creative Heights Grant from OCF.

The musicians of Delgani are violinists Anthea Kreston and Jannie Wei, violist Kimberlee Uwate, and cellist Eric Alterman. They have performed throughout the United States and internationally. Collectively they hold twelve degrees in performance from various schools of music and conservatories across the nation.