{"id":11252,"date":"2022-08-15T09:49:26","date_gmt":"2022-08-15T14:49:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/civicmusic.org\/?p=11252"},"modified":"2023-07-11T13:43:20","modified_gmt":"2023-07-11T18:43:20","slug":"the-belin-quartets-23rd-season-a-recap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/civicmusic.org\/the-belin-quartets-23rd-season-a-recap\/","title":{"rendered":"The Belin Quartet’s 23rd Season: A Recap"},"content":{"rendered":"

After nine concerts, three venues and nearly 2,000 attendees, the Belin Quartet\u2019s 23<\/span>rd<\/span> season officially ended July 26 at the Salisbury House and Gardens.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The summer series was nothing short of a rousing success, with an audience full of both new and returning faces all joining in a cherished Des Moines tradition.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The quartet welcomed the return of five of its long-standing members: John Helmich and Tracy Engman Finkelshteyn (violin), Julie Fox Henson (violin\/viola), Jonathan Sturm (viola), and George Work (cello). This season was extra special for Jonathan Sturm, who has been with the quartet since its beginning and is now retiring. In addition, the group added another talented musician to its ranks, violist Rebecca Viekker.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Throughout the season the group performed some fan favorites, including Dvorak\u2019s String Quartet No. 12 in F Major, \u201cAmerican\u201d for an early July 4<\/span>th<\/span> celebration. Along with this, the quartet explored selections by newer composers as overtures to each performance. The blend of both old and modern classics made for an enjoyable evening on the lawn of Salisbury House and Gardens.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This is the second season the quartet has called the Salisbury House its home. Belin audiences have reveled in the beauty of the setting, often enjoying a pre-packed picnic or glass of wine. Along with Salisbury, Civic Music Association debuted a new indoor venue for inclement weather. The location, Grand Hall at Temple Theater in downtown Des Moines was quick to receive praise by audiences during the two performances held there.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another new addition to the quartet\u2019s season was the Mozart, Mendelssohn and Mocktails fundraiser held at the final concert. Attendees<\/span>selected from three classical music themed drinks: The Quartet Quencher,<\/span>The Mozart Mojito, and The Mendelssohn Margarita. All proceeds directly benefited Civic Music Association, and over $400 were made during the event.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Des Moines Public Library also hosted the quartet for their annual Children\u2019s Concert. Families with children of all ages had fun taking part in a musical craft before the performance. The ensemble played Camille Saint-Saens \u201cCarnival of the Animals,\u201d followed by a fun surprise of \u201cUnder the Sea\u201d for the finale.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As CMA shifts into their 97<\/span>th<\/span> season, brainstorming and planning is already taking place for Belin\u2019s 24<\/span>th<\/span> season. Included among these ideas is the continuation of selling themed mocktails unique to each composer. Along with this, the quartet has considered hosting one concert during the winter months, so Belin fans aren\u2019t left waiting until next May to hear them again.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The CMA staff extends their thanks to everyone who attended a Belin concert this season. Your support and dedication to the summer series make a significant difference and allows us to continue this tradition. Not only this, but you also help us celebrate the bright legacy of our namesakes Connie and David Belin, who were fierce advocates for the arts in Des Moines.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We look forward to seeing you again soon!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

After nine concerts, three venues and nearly 2,000 attendees, the Belin Quartet\u2019s 23rd season officially ended July 26 at the Salisbury House and Gardens.\u00a0\u00a0 The…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":11256,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2,5],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/civicmusic.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11252"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/civicmusic.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/civicmusic.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/civicmusic.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/civicmusic.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11252"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/civicmusic.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11252\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11265,"href":"https:\/\/civicmusic.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11252\/revisions\/11265"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/civicmusic.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11256"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/civicmusic.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11252"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/civicmusic.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11252"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/civicmusic.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11252"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}