The award-winning Thalea String Quartet arrives at Pennington this week, bringing their signature vibrancy and dynamic performance style to the School’s campus. Renowned for creating music that reflects the past, present, and future of the string quartet repertoire, the group also is known for celebrating diverse musical traditions from around the world. 

Through generous funding from past parents Brenda Martini O'loughlin P'19 and Thomas O'loughlin P'19, the Thalea String Quartet will spend several days on campus as part of a three-day musicians-in-residence program. Students in an assortment of classes and groups—from music theory, orchestra, songwriting, and jazz band—will benefit from special “masterclasses,” which combine demonstrations and interactive instruction for the young musicians led by this quartet of professional artists. 

The residency culminates with a performance by the Thalea String Quartet at The Pennington School on Friday, October 18, at 7:00 p.m., in the School’s Meckler Library. There is no charge for admission and the concert is open to the public. 

Fueled by the belief that chamber music is a powerful force for building community and human connection, the Thalea String Quartet has performed across North America, Europe, and China, and has appeared at the Kennedy Center, Massey Hall, and Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall. Committed to shaping and contributing to the future of the string quartet repertoire, the ensemble has premiered dozens of new works and has collaborated on new commissions with composers including Osvaldo Golijov, Paola Prestini, Anthony R. Green, Akshaya Avril Tucker, and Tanner Porter.

Winners of the 2021 Ann Divine Educator Award from the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, the members of the Thalea String Quartet have been celebrated for their innovative approach to education and community engagement. The group has presented masterclasses and workshops at institutions across North America.