No. 329, March/April 2026

In our cover story this issue, the Isidore String Quartet discusses its new release, Adorations, and its general approach to quartet life. “Joy is central to our mission,” says violinist Adrian Steele. “In such an intimate setting, the community we build through our music should reflect the relationships we build within the quartet.”

Elsewhere, you’ll find a special section focusing on fabulous festivals (in incredible landscapes and bustling cities, and for those with particular musical interests), a master class in approaching the violin solo in Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis, an introduction to the work of recent Grammy-winning duo ARKAI, and a glimpse into a program that allows teens to premiere brand-new works

Also in this issue:

• Oscar-nominated repertoire that made its way to the concert stage
• Violinist Alena Baeva’s musicological approach to Beethoven
• The history of Scott LaFaro’s Prescott bass
• Webern Quartet’s deep dive into Schoenberg’s chamber world
• What it’s like to play the 1731 “Schneeberger” Strad violin

And more . . .