Kronos Quartet

A centerpiece of the season, the legendary Kronos Quartet makes its first appearance at the Green Lake Festival of Music, bringing five decades of fearless artistry to the stage. The San Francisco–based ensemble has redefined the string quartet through bold programming, global collaborations, and more than seventy boundary-breaking recordings. Audiences are invited to a pre-concert talk with the performers at 7:00 p.m., followed by a free evening concert marked by intensity, curiosity, and musical discovery.

This appearance carries special resonance for GLFM. Departing Artistic & Executive Director Sam Handley reflects, “A centerpiece event is the debut of the Kronos Quartet—their first appearance at GLFM. Three members of the groundbreaking ensemble previously served on the faculty of GLFM’s Chamber Music Institute (CMI).” Gabriela Díaz, Ayane Kozasa, and Paul Wiancko have each played meaningful roles within the Institute, with Díaz returning in consecutive post-pandemic seasons to perform and collaborate during a pivotal period for the festival. Their continued relationship underscores the festival’s theme of connection — artists who teach, perform, and grow alongside the GLFM community.

Featuring David Harrington with Díaz, Kozasa, and Wiancko, Kronos brings its unmistakable voice to this free performance that unites international influence with deep institutional ties, offering audiences a rare convergence of innovation, history, and shared artistic roots.