Marian Anderson String Quartet in concert - Feb. 20-22

photo The prize-winning musicians of the Marian Anderson String Quartet are, from left, Prudence McDaniel (cello), Diedra Lawrence (viola), Marianne Henry (first violin) and Nicole Cherry (second violin).

IF YOU GO¦ What: Marian Anderson String Quartet.¦ When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21.¦ Where: Roland Hayes Concert Hall, UTC Fine Arts Center, 752 Vine St.¦ Admission: $5 general admission; free for UTC students with ID.¦ Phone: 423-425-4679.¦ Website: www.utc.edu/music.SCL FORUM'S FREE PERFORMANCESAll of the following concerts have free admission and take place in Roland Hayes Concert Hall in the UTC Fine Arts Center, 752 Vine St. Preview the music selections, plus other events of the Southeastern Composers League Forum, at www.utc.edu/scl.Thursday, Feb. 207:30 p.m. Concert by Southern Adventist University Symphony OrchestraFriday, Feb. 2110 a.m. "From Paris, With Love"1 p.m. "Forge"3:30 p.m. "With a Little Help From My Friends," clarinetist Nikolasa Tejero in recitalSaturday, Feb. 221:30 p.m. "Sapphire Kaleidoscope," pianist Walton Lott in recital3:30 p.m. "Chatter in Rondo Form"7:30 p.m. "The Flattery of Fire"

The Marian Anderson String Quartet, the first African-American classical music ensemble to win an international competition, is conducting a three-day residency in Chattanooga that includes a concert Friday, Feb. 21.

The residency coincides with the Southeastern Composers League Forum, hosted by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Music Department and coordinated by UTC professor Dr. Jonathan McNair, the league's president.

In addition to the famed quartet's performance, the forum will offer seven free concerts by UTC music faculty and students, the Southern Adventist University Symphony Orchestra, pianist Walton Lott and guest artists from Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.

The Marian Anderson String Quartet was founded in 1989 as the Chaminade Quartet. After its history-making win at the international Cleveland Quartet Competition in 1991, the members sought permission to be named after the celebrated black opera singer. Anderson granted permission, and the group continued to make history, performing on stages throughout the world.

The performers -- Marianne Henry (first violin), Nicole Cherry (second violin), Diedra Lawrence (viola) and Prudence McDaniel (cello) -- are currently on the faculty of Blinn College in Bryan, Texas. They founded the nonprofit Marian Anderson String Quartet Community Music School in Bryan/College Station, Texas, in 2010.

While here, the quartet also will work with music students in public schools, conduct a workshop for young composers from around the Southeast and participate in a public panel discussion. Their visit is presented in collaboration with the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.

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