A World-Class Family Connection – Strings Attached  

Grass Valley:  InConcert Sierra presents the renowned Escher String Quartet, joined by two extraordinary guest artists with deep family ties to the ensemble. This performance blends world-class artistry and personal connections on Sunday, January 19 at 2pm.

The Escher String Quartet, recognized as a BBC New Generation Artist and recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, has taken the classical music world by storm. With performances ranging from the BBC Proms at Cadogan Hall to their role as season artists at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in New York City, the quartet has earned international acclaim for their technical mastery and emotive performances.

Joining the quartet are two distinguished musicians well-known to InConcert Sierra audiences, violist Connie Kupka and cellist David Speltz. Both serve as principals of the ICS Orchestra and are the proud parents of Escher members Brooke (cello) and Brandon (violin) Speltz, making this performance an ultimate family affair. 

Coincidentally, the Escher String Quartet last performed for InConcert Sierra on January 19, 2020—exactly five years ago to the day of this upcoming concert. That program showcased Schubert’s String Quintet with cellist David Speltz joining the quartet. This time, the family affair has expanded into a sextet.

David Speltz brings a wealth of experience, having served as a member of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra under Sir Neville Marriner and principal cellist of the California Chamber Orchestra. As a studio musician, he contributed to the soundtracks of over 1,000 Hollywood films during his career. Connie Kupka, equally accomplished, toured extensively with many orchestras and chamber groups, including the Arriaga Quartet founded by herself and David. She recently retired after 30 years with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.

The program opens with two cornerstones of the quartet repertoire: Mendelssohn’s “Andante & Scherzo, Op. 81,” and Samuel Barber’s “String Quartet in B Minor, Op. 11,” best known for the intensely emotional and gorgeous “Adagio for Strings” in its second movement.

The Speltz parents join in for Strauss’ “String Sextet from Capriccio, Opus 85.” Known as the exquisite instrumental prelude to his final opera, the late-Romantic work is brimming with lush harmonies.

The second half will showcase the famous Tchaikovsky sextet, “Souvenir de Florence, Op. 70” of which Tchaikovsky himself wrote, “There must be six independent and at the same time homogeneous parts…it is frightfully difficult!” 

“I love bringing interesting connections to our season programming. Not only are David and Connie dear friends and colleagues, they are outstanding performers who introduced us to their sons who just happen to perform in one of the top-tier chamber ensembles of the world. To have all of them on stage together is uniquely spectacular,” said Ken Hardin, ICS Artistic Director.

“I can’t think of anything more fulfilling and emotionally satisfying than performing great music with my sons, and on such a high level to boot,” said Cellist David Speltz.

The quartet is named after graphic artist M.C. Escher who is noted for his “impossible constructions.” The quartet is also known for their impossible constructions due to their simultaneous showcasing of each instrument’s part while melding them into one, for a remarkable sound.

Learn more about the family Speltz and the Escher String Quartet members at the pre-concert forum 45 minutes prior to the concert, facilitated by artistic director Ken Hardin.

Since its founding in 1946, InConcert Sierra has played a vital role in the cultural landscape of the Sierra Nevada region, celebrating the arts and making classical music a vital part of the community. The organization offers outreach programs, educational opportunities, and collaborations with local schools and organizations to inspire a passion for classical music. ICS is currently constructing the Crown Point Venues that will include a new acoustic concert hall, conference center, and black box theater.