The Pro Arte Quartet is composed of (from left) cellist Parry Karp, violinist Suzanne Beia, violist Sally Chisholm and violinist David Perry. In the midst of its 100th year of performing, the quartet will play the Touhill on Feb. 10. (Photo by Rick Langer)
The Pro Arte Quartet has survived two world wars and a trans-Atlantic move en route to becoming the oldest string quartet in continuous existence. The ensemble is in the midst of celebrating its centennial in 2012 that will include a University of Missouri–St. Louis performance at 8 p.m. Feb. 10 in the E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theater at the Blanch M. Touhill Performing Arts Center.
Four teenage Brussels Conservatory students founded the Pro Arte Quartet in 1911-12. The ensemble went on to become one of the world’s leading quartets before an upheaval from Belgium during World War II led to a new home in Madison, Wis. It later became the resident quartet at the University of Wisconsin–Madison where it is still based today.
As the Pro Arte Quartet celebrates 100 years in 2012, the ensemble maintains a reputation for championing new music while embracing standard classical repertoire.
Doors at the UMSL concert will open at 7:10 p.m. for a discussion with members of Pro Arte Quartet. Tickets are $21 to $23. Visit touhill.org or call 314-516-4949 to order tickets.
