String quartet String quartet A string quartet is a musical ensemble consisting of four string players – two violin players, a viola player and a cellist – or a piece written to be performed by such a group. The string quartet is one of the most prominent chamber ensembles in classical music, with most major composers, from the mid 18th century onwards, writing string quartets. The string quartet was developed into its current form by the Austrian composer Joseph Haydn, with his works in the 1750s establishing the genre. Ever since Haydn's day the string quartet has been considered a prestigious form
Circadian String Quartet Circadian String Quartet Bay Area-based Circadian String Quartet was founded in 2013. The ensemble performs a wide range of classical and contemporary repertoire with folkloric or cultural significance, as well as original pieces composed or arranged by members of the group, including a transcription of Igor Stravinsky's Rite of Spring for string quartet and percussion. Circadian String Quartet has worked closely with several living composers on new pieces of chamber music, including Sahba Aminikia, Ben Carson, Toronto-based Noam Lemish, and British composer Ian Venables, and has given several world and U.S. premieres of their work, including Venables' Canzonetta in 2014