Since its first concert in 1983, the Schubert Ensemble of London has become widely recognized as one of the world’s leading exponents of music for piano and strings. The Ensemble has decided to bring its illustrious 35-year career to a close at the end of June 2018 in celebratory style, with over fifty concerts planned during their final season, including a return visit to Music in the Park Series. Their eclectic program features “The Whole Earth Dances,” a new, nature-inspired work by young British composer Cheryl Frances-Hoad; Vaughan Williams’ romantic and rarely-performed Piano Quintet in C-minor; and the grand finale--Franz Schubert’s much-beloved “Trout” quintet.

The Dover Quartet catapulted to international stardom following a stunning sweep of the 2013 Banff International String Quartet Competition. Praised by The Strad for “exceptional interpretive maturity, tonal refinement and taut ensemble,” the quartet has become one of the most in-demand ensembles in the world. The Dover’s debut disc pays tribute to the renowned Guarneri Quartet, whose members served as mentors for the ensemble. Beginning their “mostly American” program with quartets by Richard Danielpour and Bartok, the Dover is joined by clarinetist David Shifrin to perform works for clarinet and string quartet by Corigliano and young American composer Chris Rogerson, along with arrangements of Duke Ellington tunes. Shifrin is in constant demand as an orchestral soloist, recitalist and chamber musician. His numerous recordings, including trios with cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han, have consistently garnered awards. A member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center since 1989, Shifrin served as its artistic director from 1992 to 2004.

One of Germany’s most successful vocal groups, Calmus offers the unique combination of a soprano with four male voices ranging from bass to countertenor. The group has been awarded prizes in numerous international competitions, including the prestigious Concert Artists Guild Competition. Music in the Park Series brings the a cappella quintet to St. Paul with a program of carols from around the world − from 16th Italian century madrigals to traditional carols of France, Germany, Sweden and England, to American popular holiday songs. Embodying the rich choral tradition of its hometown of Leipzig, Germany, Calmus captivates both audiences and critics with its charming stage presence, flawless technique and entertaining presentations.

Inspiring performances, luminous sound, and exceptional musicianship are the hallmarks of the Grammy Award-winning Parker Quartet. Well known to Twin Cities music lovers, the Parker made its debut on Music in the Park Series in 2007, subsequently serving as Artists-in-Residence at the University of St. Thomas, at the University of Minnesota, with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and as the first-ever Artists-in-Residence with Minnesota Public Radio. Currently Blodgett Artists-in-Residence at Harvard University’s Department of Music, the Parker Quartet has distinguished itself with acclaimed recordings, including György Ligeti’s complete works for string quartet, which won the 2011 Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance. The Parker’s Music in the Park Series concert will feature works by Mozart, Ligeti and Bartok.

Cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han rank among the most dynamic and influential forces in classical music today. Their performances have inspired audiences around the world and have won universal critical acclaim. Partners in music and marriage, they were recipients of Musical America’s prestigious Musicians of the Year award in 2012. David and Wu Han are in their third term as Artistic Directors of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and founding Artistic Directors of Music@Menlo, soon to celebrate its fifteenth season. A favorite of Music in the Park audiences, David Finckel and Wu Han make their fifth appearance on the series. Their program, titled “Distinctive Voices,” highlights works of Beethoven, Bruce Adolphe, Mendelssohn, Grieg, and a repeat performance of Lera Auerbach’s “Sonata for Cello and Piano,” composed for the duo and co-commissioned by Music in the Park Series in 2004.

This unique concert will celebrate the past and present Lark Quartet through music old and new, with the original quartet – founded in 1985 in the Twin Cities by native Laura Sewell – and the current Lark Quartet members for a total of eight musicians. In keeping with Lark’s tradition of broadening the chamber music repertory through diverse commissions, members of the current and original quartets join forces to perform the Minnesota premiere of Andrew Waggoner’s work for two string quartets. Dedicated to “the once and future Lark Quartet”, the commission was supported in part by the Thelma Hunter Fund of the American Composers Forum. Moving back in time to a work regarded as “one of the miracles of 19th century music”, the group brings the Music in the Park Series season to a close with a performance of Mendelssohn’s brilliant Octet in E-flat Major, written in 1825 when the composer was only sixteen years old.