The Dalí Quartet, based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, seeks to bring its fusion collection of music to Johnson City.
The quartet is composed of classically trained artists, who bring the flavor of their homelands to audiences all over the world. They have toured in Europe and Asia and have also played at Carnegie Hall.
“I think it is important to bring in artists that are bridging different styles of music, incorporating different sounds into their repertoire,” said Anita DeAngelis, director of the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts. “We are very excited about the unique combination of experiences Dalí has in store for us.”
The Quartet is composed of Carlos Rubio (second violin), Adriana Linares (viola), Jesús A. Morales Matos (cello) and Domenic Salerni, who is their new first violin. Each one of these musicians have their music deeply rooted to themselves. They hail from Venezuelan, Puerto Rican and Italian decent, which they allow to shine through their music.
Second violin, Carlos Rubio, is a founding member of the Dalí String Quartet. After attending Indiana University Bloomington, he has taught master classes at several universities, camps and festivals throughout the Americas; including the University of Louisville, University of Canada and Bolivar Conservatory of Music in Venezuela. He has also won several awards for his work in Spanish and Latin American music, as well as his work in the classical genre.
Adriana Linares is an award-winning violist from Venezuela. She was the founding violist of the Dalí String Quartet and regularly performs with other local symphony orchestras. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and a master’s degree from Temple University. Her Venezuelan roots are shown throughout the quartet’s music.
Cellist Jesús A. Morales Matos serves as the Cello professor of the Elite Strings Program in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. He has participated in many festivals throughout the Americas and has had his music heard worldwide with his 2007 album, “The Saint-Saens and the Lalo Cello Concertos.” Matos has a bachelor’s degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music and did his postgraduate work at the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music.
Domenic Salerni, first violin, is a new face in the quartet. He was an instructor and first violinist in Emory University’s Vega String Quartet. He has recorded for several music labels and holds degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music and Yale University.
While they are in Johnson City, the quartet will visit the local Academy of Strings program and ETSU Spanish and music students.
“The Dalí Quartet has a passion for music and a passion for people,” said Steven Tenenbom, violist with the Orion Quartet and faculty member at Juilliard School of Music and Curtis Institute of Music. “They have delighted audiences and are inspiring the next generation to discover the joy and power of music.”
Sponsored by the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, their concert will be held on April 8 at First Presbyterian Church, 105 South Boone St, Johnson City. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m., but early arrival is suggested.
They will be playing selections from Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Spain and Venezuela. They will also be playing a piece from Mozart. While the selections are specific, audiences will be delighted to hear the fusion they are known for.
Tickets for the Dalí Quartet are $5 for students with ID, $15 for seniors 60 and over and $20 for general admission. To purchase tickets online or for more information, please visit www.etsu.edu/martin or call 423-439-8587.
