Sunday Afternoon Live: Pro Arte Quartet

The Pro Arte Quartet is one of the world’s most distinguished string quartets. Current Pro Arte Quartet members are David Perry and Suzanne Beia, violin; Sally Chisholm, viola; and Parry Karp, cello. Together since 1995, they have recorded works of Mendelssohn, Dvořák, Rhodes, Shapey, Sessions, Fennelly, Diesendruck, and the centennial commissions.

Founded by conservatory students in Brussels in 1912, the Pro Arte Quartet became one of the most celebrated ensembles in Europe in the first half of the twentieth century and was named Court Quartet to the Queen of Belgium. Its world reputation blossomed in 1919 when the quartet began the first of many tours that enticed notable composers such as Milhaud, Honegger, Martin, and Casella to write new works for the ensemble. In addition, Bartók dedicated his fourth quartet to the PAQ (1927), and in 1936 PAQ premiered Barber’s Op. 11 quartet, with the now-famous “Adagio for Strings” as its slow movement.

The Pro Arte made its New York debut in 1926 and toured the United States frequently under the auspices of Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge. The quartet was performing in Madison, Wisconsin in May 1940 when Nazi forces invaded Belgium. The University of Wisconsin responded to the emergency by offering the quartet a permanent campus home, the first such arrangement at a major American university. The UW Pro Arte residency became a model of artist residencies that is now widely emulated throughout the country.

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IMPORTANT EVENT DETAILS

The Chazen Lobby will remain open to the public during the concert.

Please arrive by 12:15 pm, as seating is limited and registration is required for a spot in the Sunday Afternoon Live audience section. Chazen staff will be checking in guests at both entrance doors according to last name. You will not need to show a printed ticket.

Museum goers who did not register in advance may still enjoy the concert from our café tables or while exploring the galleries. Any audience section seating open after 12:15 pm is open to walk-in guests.

Food and drink are available for purchase at the Chazen Café.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where should I park?

There are several parking garages within a few blocks of the museum. Limited accessible parking stalls are located in front of the building. Contact UW Transportation Services for more information: https://transportation.wisc.edu/visitor-parking/. We are also on several Madison Metro bus routes, and BCycle stations are nearby.

Where at the museum is this event?

Please check-in with our Chazen staff at either entrance. The concert takes place in the Mead Witter Lobby.

Can I call if I have questions?

Yes! You can call the welcome desk to speak with our Visitor Services team at 608-263-2246.

Host or Publisher Chazen Museum of Art