Characterized by their youth, brilliant playing, and soulful interpretations, the Ariel Quartet has quickly earned a glowing international reputation. Formed in Israel 16 years ago, when the members were young students, the quartet was recently awarded the prestigious Cleveland Quartet Award. They currently serve as the faculty quartet-in-residence at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, where they direct the chamber music program and perform their own annual series of concerts—a remarkable achievement for an ensemble so young. This award-winning quartet has performed widely in North America, Europe, and Israel, and will be making their San Diego debut at ArtPower. Program Ludwig van Beethoven: Quartet in A Major, Op. 18, No. 5; Mahammed Fairouz: New Commission; Robert Schumann: Quartet in A Major, Op. 41, No. 3 ArtTalk Pre-performance ArtTalk at The Loft at 7 pm