Now in their seventh season, the Carya String Quartet strives to create community through performances of new and old chamber music from around the world. Drawn together by Houston’s international and inclusive arts culture, the members-Laura Cividino, Claire Gallagher, Rainey Weber, and Hannah Deplazes-hail from Italy, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and North Dakota. As the only all-women string quartet in the greater Houston area, Carya aims to bring attention to women composers in their musical and educational programs, and will continue to emphasize these works on each program of the upcoming season. 2023-2024 concerts will explore the idea “everything old is new again” through pairings of Ludwig van Beethoven’s string quartets with the responses and reflections of composers today. Highlights include four of Beethoven’s best loved quartets, as well as compositions by Gabriella Smith, Aaron Kernis, Anna Clyne, and Caroline Shaw. In addition to presenting traditional concerts, the Carya String Quartet has launched several projects including “Meditations on Bach,” which paired Bach chorales with works of visual art and gained international attention, as well as “Inspirations,” an interactive and educational series focused on exploring how and why music is created and what can inspire composers, performers, and audience members alike. Formed in 2018, the Carya String Quartet draws its name from the official state tree of Texas: the pecan tree, “Carya Illinoinensis”.
