Dvořák Homage: Merel Quartet & American Influences

The Merel Quartet will launch its 2026 chamber music series with a performance dedicated to the works of Antonín Dvořák on February 16th in Basel, Switzerland. The series, titled “Goin’ Home,” will feature Dvořák’s String Quartet No. 14 in A-flat major, Op. 105, and String Quartet No. 13 in G major, Op. 106.

The inaugural concert will be held at the Stadtcasino in Basel, with subsequent performances scheduled for February 17th at the Musikschulzentrum in Triesen, Liechtenstein, and February 18th at the Konservatorium Florhof in Zürich, Switzerland. The series coincides with the quartet’s 20th anniversary, according to promotional materials.

The Merel Quartet, founded in 2002, has established a reputation for “vivid performances” and stylistic awareness, performing in venues across Europe including the Wigmore Hall and the Tonhalle Zürich. The quartet has collaborated with a range of artists, including Ruth Ziesak and Alfred Brendel. They were awarded the “Golden Bow” in 2025 by the Violin Making School Brienz.

The Merel Chamber Series is positioned as an alternative to established concert series offered by larger concert halls, offering innovative programs and featuring guest artists. All programs within the series are accompanied by commentary.

Following the Dvořák-focused opening, the series will continue on March 18th in Triesen, Liechtenstein, with a performance featuring pianist Claudio Martínez Mehner. The program will include works by Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, and Dvořák. Further performances with Martínez Mehner are scheduled for March 19th in Luzern, March 20th in Basel, and March 21st in Zürich.

In April, the Merel Quartet will present a program featuring Dimitri Shostakovich, Arvo Pärt, and Beethoven. Performances are scheduled for April 19th in Basel, April 20th in Triesen, April 21st in Luzern, and April 22nd in Zürich. The April 21st performance in Luzern will be held at the Maskenliebhaber-Gesellschaft, Süsswinkel 7.

Tickets for the Merel Chamber Series are available through kulturticket.ch and Bider & Tanner Buchhandlung Basel. Presale is also available.