Kontras String Quartet at UO

• Eleanor Bartsch, violin
• Francois Henkins, violin
• Benjamin Weber, viola
• Jean Hatmaker, cello

About Kontras Quartet

The Kontras String Quartet explores the role of chamber music in the new millennium, at once keeping classic tradition and style alive while embracing new opportunities and fusing genres to expand the art form and include a more diverse audience. Formed in 2009, the "superb Chicago-based ensemble" (Gramophone Magazine) has become known for its vibrant and nuanced performances, "crisp precision" (Palm Beach Daily News), "superlative artistry" (CVNC Arts Journal), and unique penchant for exploring the folk roots of classical music. Kontras's "enjoyable musical personality" (Fanfare Magazine) and welcoming, friendly approach to the recital stage have attracted audiences near and far for over a decade. Kontras means "contrasts" in the Afrikaans language—fitting for a string ensemble whose colorful repertoire spans centuries, genres, and continents.

About University of Oregon School of Music and Dance

https://music.uoregon.edu/

About Eleanor Bartsch, violin

http://www.eleanorbartsch.com/

About Francois Henkins, violin

https://www.kontrasquartet.com/about#francois-henkins

About Benjamin Weber, viola

https://www.elmhurst.edu/academics/departments/music/faculty/benjamin-weber/

About Jean Hatmaker, cello

https://jeanhatmaker.com/