Sunday, September 28th at 3pm 

The Metta String Quartet featuring members of the Bucknell University faculty perform live during WVIA’s next Simply Grand Concert on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014 at 3 p.m. in the Sordoni High Definition Theater at the WVIA Public Media Studios in Pittston, PA. Seating is free, but limited. To make reservations call 570-655-2808 or click here to reserve your seats.

The program will include HAYDN. Quartet in D Major, Op. 64, No. 5, "The Lark", MENDLESSOHN, Quartet in A Minor, Op. 13, and DVORAK, String Quartet No. 12 in F Major, Op. 96 (American). The concert will be recorded for radio broadcast on WVIA-FM.

The four artists who make up The Metta String Quartet, met while playing musical engagements of all sorts, from orchestra concerts to fundraisers to choral extravaganzas. With the founding of The Metta Quartet, they are able to express their passion for chamber music and their friendship for one another. The name, “Metta”, comes from the Sanskrit. Although it has many meanings, the one that fits this group best is 'close mental union' or 'to be on the same wavelength'.

Violinist Marcus Smolensky is on the faculties of Bucknell University and Susquehanna University, where he teaches violin and viola in addition to fielding a large private studio. Violinist Priscilla Conrad directs a thriving violin studio in Port Trevorton, plays in the Susquehanna Choral Orchestra and leads the Valley Quartet. Violist Christopher Para, associate professor of music at Bucknell University, is the Music Director of the Bucknell University Orchestra. In addition, he is a much sought-after teacher of violin and viola. Rachel Kauffman is principal cellist of the York Symphony, teaches at York College and heads an engaged private studio. 

The WVIA “Simply Grand Concert Series” showcases the talent of regional classical musicians. Since the series began in 1990, dozens of regional musicians have been featured.  The concerts are recorded for broadcast before a live audience in the Sordoni High Definition Theater at WVIA Public Media Studios.