The Alexander String Quartet stands among the world’s premier ensembles, having performed in the major music capitals of five continents. The quartet is a vital artistic presence in its home base of San Francisco, serving since 1989 as Ensemble in Residence of San Francisco Performances. Widely admired for its interpretations of Beethoven, Mozart, and Shostakovich, the quartet’s recordings have won international critical acclaim. Founded in New York City in 1981, the ensemble quickly captured attention, initially winning the Concert Artists Guild Competition in 1982, and then becoming the first American quartet to win the London (now Wigmore) International String Quartet Competition in 1985. Recording for the Foghorn Classics label, the Alexander String Quartet’s catalogue includes complete cycles by Bartók, Beethoven, Brahms, Kodály, and Shostakovich. Their most recent release is the 3rd installment of a Mozart chamber music project, “Apotheosis” featuring the string quintets of Mozart with violist Paul Yarbrough. Apotheosis Volumes 1 & 2, featured the late string quartets and piano quartets (with Joyce Yang) of Mozart. Other major recordings include the Mozart and Brahms clarinet quintets (with Eli Eban) and “Locale,” featuring Dvořák’s “American” quartet and piano quintet (with Joyce Yang). Their recording catalogue also includes the Mahler Song Cycles in transcriptions for mezzo-soprano (with Kindra Scharich) and string quartet by Zakarias Grafilo.