Eleven concerts, five venues and over 2,000 attendees later, the Belin Quartet’s majorly successful 24th season concluded on July 8.
For the third year in a row, the series was held at the picturesque Salisbury House and Gardens. The Belin Quartet welcomed back four of its long-standing members John Helmich and Tracy Engman Finkelshteyn (violin), Julie Fox Henson (violin/viola), and George Work (cello). Violists Roslyn Green and Rebecca Viekker were also included in the rotation, both “auditioning” for the recently open viola position.
Also included throughout the season were special guests Michael Klotz (viola), Samantha Rodriguez (viola), Jesse Nummelin (cello), and Marion Scott (piano).
This year’s repertoire was invigorating, with an abundance of popular works performed. Chamber repertoire staples like Ravel’s String Quartet and Dvořák’s Piano Quintet in A-Major were fan-favorites. In addition, the quartet performed modern-day compositions by emerging classical voices like Caroline Shaw’s, “Entr’acte.” This blend of standard and new works created engaging and educational performances for all in attendance.
Along with their weekly Salisbury House & Gardens performances, the Belin Quartet performed four additional concerts around Des Moines. This included venues like Noce, Hoyt Sherman Place and St. Augustin’s Catholic Church.
The quartet also had the opportunity to play at the 80/35 music festival for the first time in its history. The group surprised audiences by venturing away from their regular classical repertoire and instead performing songs like Coldplay’s “Clocks” and Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze.”
The CMA staff extends their most sincere thanks to everyone who attended a Belin concert this season. Whether you were a first-time attendee or longtime fan, your support and dedication to the summer series makes a significant difference and allows us to continue the tradition. Not only this, but it helps celebrate the bright legacy of our namesakes Connie and David Belin, who were fierce advocates for the arts in Des Moines.
We look forward to seeing you again soon!
