Sky Island Quartet

Mendelssohn Octet - Allante String Quartet Concert
2025-05-31 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Denver) | Allante String Quartet, 913 Sunburst Ln, Alpine, UT, United States
In case you missed it – you can still come hear us play the Mendelssohn Octet with the Allante String Quartet at their concert on May 31st at 7:30!
Admission is free.

You can learn about the Allante String Quartet on their social medias or their website:
Allante String Quartet Website
Allante String Quartet Facebook Page
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See our other upcoming events!

Sky Island Performance: Mendelssohn Octet
2025-05-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Hilltop United Methodist Church, 985 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT, 84094, United States
Sky Island Quartet will perform with the Allante String Quartet. Together we will bring to life the rarely heard work of Mendelssohn – String Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20, MWV R 20. This work is not heard very often in person because it is often difficult to get two string quartets together to play it! Don’t miss this rare opportunity.
Have you recently been to a Candelight concert and would like more chamber music in your life? This is the concert to come to!
In the mean-time, please check out our other upcoming events!

While tickets to this concert are free, you’re welcome to make a donation to support our ensemble. Contributions from this event will go toward professional photography for future marketing efforts — helping us grow, reach new audiences, and bring more live concerts to our community. We truly appreciate your support as we get Sky Island Quartet up and running!
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Read about the piece:
Felix Mendelssohn composed his Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20 in 1825, at just 16 years old, showcasing his exceptional talent and early mastery of composition. Written as a birthday gift for his violin teacher Eduard Rietz, the piece is scored for double string quartet, a unique and ambitious arrangement for the time. By treating all eight instruments as equal participants, Mendelssohn created a rich, symphonic texture that revolutionized chamber music. Notably, the Octet features four movements, blending youthful exuberance with profound sophistication, which is characteristic of Mendelssohn’s early style.
The famous scherzo, inspired by Goethe’s Faust, is particularly remarkable. With its light, ethereal character, it evokes a sense of magic and whimsy that would later be perfected in Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream Scherzo. This scherzo not only highlights Mendelssohn’s signature lightness but also his ability to create vivid, enchanting imagery through music.
Moreover, the Octet is a groundbreaking work that expanded the boundaries of chamber music, combining the intimacy of the genre with the grandeur of symphonic composition. Its innovation, lyrical beauty, and dynamic energy have ensured its place as a cornerstone of the chamber repertoire. Ultimately, the Octet marks a significant milestone in Mendelssohn’s early career, demonstrating both his prodigious talent and the evolving nature of Romantic music.

Read about the composer:
Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847) was a German composer, pianist, and conductor. He quickly gained fame for works like the Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream and his revival of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. In his compositions, such as the Italian Symphony and the oratorio Elijah, Mendelssohn skillfully blended classical form with Romantic lyricism.
As conductor of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Mendelssohn not only shaped concert practices but also elevated the orchestra’s reputation. Despite facing persistent anti-Semitic prejudice, he continued to thrive in his career, earning international acclaim.
However, Mendelssohn’s life was marked by personal sorrow. He was deeply affected by the death of his sister, Fanny, which led to a rapid decline in his health. Tragically, he passed away at 38. Nevertheless, his music endures, and it continues to captivate listeners. Mendelssohn’s works offer a remarkable balance of technical mastery and emotional depth, making him one of the most influential composers of the Romantic era.

Sky Island Performance: A Little Bit of Night Music
2025-03-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Copperview Recreation Center, 8446 Harrison St, Midvale, Utah, 84047, United States
Sky Island Quartet will perform the the infamous “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” (Serenade No. 13 for strings in G Major), K. 525 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart followed by the crowd-pleasing String Quartet No. 2 by Alexander Borodin.
Have you recently been to a Candelight concert and would like even more chamber music in your life? This is the concert to come to! Experience how great intimate chamber music can be – even when it’s not just modern song covers!
Tea & treats with the quartet will be served immediately following the concert.

Check out other upcoming events with the Sky Island Quartet!

Read about our pieces by Borodin & Mozart:
Eine kleine Nachtmusik (Serenade No. 13 for strings in G major, K. 525) is a celebrated composition by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, completed in 1787. The work, whose title translates to A Little Night Music, is a serenade traditionally performed by a chamber ensemble. It consists of four movements, though it was initially planned to include five. Known for its elegance and balance, the serenade epitomizes the Classical style, with the lively and iconic first movement (Allegro) being especially popular. Its cheerful and refined character has made it a favorite in concert repertoire and popular culture
Borodin’s String Quartet No. 2 in D major (1881) is a cornerstone of Romantic chamber music, known for its melodic beauty and emotional depth. Dedicated to his wife, it reflects their relationship, particularly in the third movement, “Notturno,” a lyrical piece often performed independently. The quartet’s four movements combine Western classical structure with Russian folk influences. Its themes gained further fame when adapted for the Broadway musical Kismet. Praised for its rich textures and romantic qualities, it remains one of Borodin’s most celebrated works.

Read about the composers:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) was a prolific Austrian composer of the Classical era, known for over 600 works that display technical brilliance and emotional depth, including The Magic Flute and the Jupiter Symphony. Despite his fame, he faced financial struggles and died at 35, leaving an enduring legacy in Western classical music.
Alexander Borodin (1833–1887), a Russian composer and chemist, blended Russian folk themes with Western forms in works like Prince Igor and String Quartet No. 2. A member of “The Five,” Borodin balanced groundbreaking scientific achievements with music, leaving an indelible mark on both fields despite his untimely death.

Sky Island Open Rehearsal: Borodin & Mozart
2025-03-13 12:00 - 13:30 | Midvale Senior Center, 7550 S Main St, Midvale, UT, 84047, United States
Feel the thrill of a string quartet rehearsal, open and free to the public! Watch musicians refine their performance as they dive into the creative process. See them tackle tricky passages, adjust interpretations, and collaborate to perfect their sound. This informal event brings music lovers up close, offering a rare and personal connection to the art of chamber music.
Did you recently enjoy a Candlelight concert and want more chamber music in your life? Join us and see exactly how musicians make the magic happen!
Admission is free, but RSVP below so we can plan for the right number of chairs. While you’re here, explore our other events, including the concert this rehearsal is preparing for. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy live music in an intimate and welcoming setting!

Thank you to the Midvale Senior Center for hosting our open rehearsal.

What to expect and how to prepare:

This is NOT a performance – it’s a rehearsal. Expect stops and starts at any point during the pieces as the musicians work through the music.
Please refrain from applause, as this is an informal rehearsal setting.
We kindly ask that you do not ask questions until the end or during breaks in the rehearsal, so as not to disrupt the flow of work.
Quiet snacks and water are acceptable, but please be considerate of others.
Absolute silence is not required, but we ask that you remain respectful and avoid causing any disruptions to the quartet’s process.
There may be a complete playthrough of entire movements, but this is not guaranteed.
Throughout the rehearsal, the musicians will likely discuss aspects such as timing, phrasing, dynamics, cues, and general showmanship. These discussions are part of the creative process, and your understanding is appreciated.

Adaptive Recreation - Valentines Program
2025-02-15
Sky Island Quartet will perform for the Copperview Recreation Center’s Adaptive Recreation Program. This annual Valentine’s Activity features romantic classics by Mozart and Borodin, plus popular song covers. Each piece ensures a lively, unforgettable experience.
This private event requires registration through the Copperview Recreation Center’s website under the Adaptive Learning program.
Planning an event? Sky Island Quartet provides professional live music to make any occasion special. Contact us to learn more.
Don’t miss our upcoming public performances!
