Kronos Performing Arts Association

Founded in 1973, the San Francisco based Kronos Quartet commissions, performs, and records contemporary music for the string quartet. Since its inception, the ensemble has premiered more than 450 pieces, released 45 recordings, and has 60 concert dates in the 2008-09 season including six in the bay area and 20 overseas. Three of the original four quartet members continue to play with the group including principal the group’s artistic director David Harrington. Mr. Harrington’s interest in world music has had a formative impact on the group which has been hailed for it’s global vision that involves composers and musical traditions from "Argentina to Zimbabwe" (according to one New Yorker feature). With a world ride reputation the group introduces audiences, and artists, to sounds they’ve never heard before through live concerts, audio recordings, podcasts and collaborations with choreographers and filmmakers. Since 2003 Kronos has also held an annual competition for composers under 30, the winner of which is commissioned to write a new work for the group. With renewed support Kronos will continue presenting new work, mentoring young composers and musicians, touring internationally and performing locally and invest resources in digitizing and archiving the groups prodigious catalog online.