The Ralston String Quartet will be performing three pieces at Dvorak Concert Hall in the Doudna Fine Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. 

The quartet will be playing works that range from the 18th-century to the 21st-century. 

Dennis Malak, Director of Programming, Publicity, and Promotion at Doudna, said that the audience will be witnessing some amazing musicians. 

“The audiences should expect an exquisite evening of classical string music, being performed by some of the most talented musicians performing today,” said Malak. 

Malak came across the chamber group in conversations with the agency that represents them and information at Arts Midwest in 2019.  

The quartet consists of Luri Lee (violin), Jason Issokson (violin), Hezekiah Leung (viola), and Yoshika Masuda (cello).  

According to the quartet’s website, the group was first formed in summer of 2013 at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity’s Chamber Music Residency. 

The group is named after Thomas Ralston, who is the founder and director of the Music and Sound Programs at the Banff Centre. 

They have earned multiple achievements and awards, such as: First Prize in the 12th Banff International String Quartet Competition, prizewinners at the Bordeaux International String Quartet Competition, Grand Prize of the 31st Chamber Music Yellow Springs Competition and have been labelled one of CBC Radio’s “30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30.” 

The Ralston String Quartet has played classical works that range through multiple periods of the namesake genre. 

The group currently has one album titled “Souvenirs” that features the chamber music of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. 

The group plays approximately three recital programs per season, which equates to twelve to fifteen pieces that they perform. 

Eastern will be one of many locations the ensemble has performed at. The Ralston String Quartet has performed in Carnegie Hall and toured across Europe. 

“They are an exceptional classical music ensemble,” said Malak. 

  Ethan Schobernd can be reached at 581-2812 or ejschobernd@eiu.edu.