Since its inception in 1992, the Brentano String Quartet has appeared throughout the world to popular and critical acclaim. Within a few years of its formation, the Quartet garnered the first Cleveland Quartet Award and the Naumburg Chamber Music Award. In 1996 they were invited to be the inaugural members of Chamber Music Society Two at Lincoln Center. More honors came on Brentano’s first European tour in 1997, resulting in their becoming quartet-in-residence at London’s Wigmore Hall. The Quartet is named for Antonie Brentano, whom many scholars consider to be Beethoven’s “Immortal Beloved”.
James Dunham was the founding violist of the Naumburg Award winning Sequoia String Quartet, and performed for eight years with the Cleveland String Quartet throughout North America, Europe, the Far East and the Soviet Union. He is now in residence at Rice University’s Shepherd School and is active as a recitalist, guest artist and teacher.
Such was their ferocity…that the instruments almost burst into flames…Make no mistake: the Brentanos are a magnificent quartet…This was wonderful, selfless music making – The Times (London)
