The Johannes String Quartet, comprised of four gifted instrumentalists, will perform at Edmond Town Hall Theatre on Sunday, October 26, at 3 pm. It will be the second of six concerts being presented by Newtown Friends of Music this season.

The Johannes was the first American group to win the Paganini Violin Competition in 24 years. Members include violinist Soovin Kim, a Concert Artists Guild Competition winner; and violinist Jessica Lee; C.J. Chang, the principal viola of Philadelphia Orchestra; and Peter Stumpf, former principal cellist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Their collaboration grew from summers at the Marlboro Festival, following the footsteps of the Guarneri who, in turn, were influenced by the Budapest String Quartet decades before.

The quartet has been praised by listeners and critics alike for its special combination of passion, warmth, elegance and poetry.  Each member has spent numerous summers at the celebrated Marlboro Music Festival in Vermont, birthplace of many of the world's renowned ensembles. New York appearances include debuts at Carnegie Hall and The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, as well as frequent performances on the Schneider Series at the New School and the Peoples’ Symphony Concerts at Town Hall.

The program for October 26 includes string quartets by Mendelssohn, Brahms and, after intermission, the String Quartet No.16 in F Major, Opus 135 by Ludwig van Beethoven.

An informal reception following the concert will offer concert goers the opportunity to meet and mingle with the musicians.

Single tickets will be available at the box office for only $25 (cash or check only) at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street, beginning at 2 the afternoon of the concert.  Students K-12 are admitted free of charge when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult, as are students with a valid student ID.

Tickets may also be purchased in advance by sending check and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Newtown Friends of Music, PO Box 295, Newtown CT  06470-0295. Additional information is also available by calling 203-426-6470.

Parking is free behind Edmond Town Hall and the facility is handicap accessible.

For information regarding this and other concerts and to print out an order form, visit NewtownFriendsOfMusic.org.