Boulder Symphony presents the Takács Quartet at socially distanced concert

The Boulder Symphony recently announced a socially distanced concert to be held Sunday, Sept. 13, at 6 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center at 6007 Oreg Ave. in Boulder.

The hour-long performance will feature the Takács Quartet, a grammy-award winning string quartet. The Boulder-based group is made up of violinists Edward Dusinberre and Harumi Rhodes, violist Richard O'Neill, and cellist András Fejér.

Executive Director of the Boulder Symphony Andrew Krimm said he looks forward to hosting the quartet for Boulder Symphony's first socially distant concert. "I am most excited about the fact that this is Takács' first performance in the Front Range since March and that Boulder Symphony has the opportunity to present one of the best quartets in the world in a safe environment for our patrons," he said.

This is the first live performance for the quartet with their new violist, Richard O'Neil. The world-renowned group, entering its 46th season, has a long list of accolades and accomplishments. In June 2020, they were featured in the BBC television series Being Beethoven.

Concert-goers will be treated to select movements from Mozart's K421, Coleridge Taylor's Five Fantasiestucke, Bartok's String Quartet no. 1, and Debussy's String Quartet.

"Takács will be performing some staples of the string quartet repertoire," said Krimm. "In particular, I am very excited they are performing Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's Five Fantasiestucke. These pieces are really great but often overlooked pieces of chamber music that should be showcased more often."

To keep audience members safe, the symphony plans to set up "COVID Pods" which will be eight feet apart and seat up to four people. There will also be a limited number of "balcony" car spots for viewers who would prefer to stay in their car with a view of the quartet and listen to an FM transmission of the concert.

Krimm noted that the pods will be sectioned off on three sides with ropes and stakes, with the fourth side open toward the stage. The Boulder Symphony will provide chairs, and viewers are also encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets to sit on, for a socially distant, custom "Pod" experience.

Tickets for the concert are $45 and can be purchased online at bouldersymphony.org.

The Boulder Symphony also has two other upcoming events in the coming months.

On Sept, 5, the symphony is partnering with Niwot Tavern for a four-course meal inspired by international fare that diners can either enjoy outside in Cottonwood Square or take home. Tickets cost $50 and the proceeds will benefit Boulder Symphony and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

On Oct. 3 at 10 a .m., the Boulder Symphony is partnering with the Grief Support Network to host Music and Movement, a virtually guided meditation and yoga flow, with live music by Boulder Symphony's principal harpist, Hillary Schefter.

Tickets for both events can be purchased at eventbrite.com.