All change at Kronos Quartet
NewsJanet Cowperthwaite, who has managed the pioneering group for 43 years is stepping aside:
‘When I first met Kronos in 1981, I was a college student. I could not have imagined the amazing world that would unfold. It has been a privilege and honor to work with Kronos, one of the most important, creative forces of our time. They are incredible musicians and I have always been grateful for their trust and friendship. I have deeply valued the talented and committed KPAA staff, past and present – without which none of the successes would have been possible – and our Board of Directors, a steadfast foundation of support over the years. Our collective efforts have brought a lot of wonderful music into the world.’
The picture is just as I remember them on first acquaintance, four decades ago.
We should be very grateful for the valuable contributions of Kronos to classical music:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nbszd84W2kE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMaZP4eRqOM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dE65iTuG4Y
…. so that we get rid of the stuffy, elitist & pretentious idea of what ‘quartet music’ is – still done by silly younsters who don’t understand their own time:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plATXmJAWe8
A box set would be nice.
Kronos has always been an interesting little side show and is responsible for a lot of commissions so we should be thankful for that… but as a performing group they’re pretty mediocre.
Janet is a legend in the business, leading the business side of Kronos with skill, savvy, and heart. She helped create an incredible legacy through commissioning projects, residencies, tours, licensing, recordings, different lineups, and more. A total class act as an administrator and as a human.