About the Artist

Now in its second decade, the Ying Quartet has become a champion of chamber music performance and education in the United States. Natives of Chicago, the Ying siblings began their career as an ensemble in 1992 in the farm town of Jessup, Iowa, as the first artists involved in the National Endowment for the Arts Chamber Music Rural Residencies Program. This residency was so successful that it was widely chronicled in the national and international media. In the years since, the Yings have established an international reputation for excellence in performance with appearances in virtually every major American city. Currently Quartet in Residence at the Eastman School of Music, they are known for their musical collaborations and innovative programming concepts. This will be their third performance for the Guild.

Their collaborator for their Cranbrook Music Guild Performance is pianist Menahem Pressler, founding member and pianist of the Beaux Arts Trio, who has established himself among the world's most distinguished and honored musicians, with a career that spans over five decades. The 83-year old pianist fled the Nazis from his hometown of Magdeburg, Germany, in 1938, emigrating to Israel. His life has always been completely devoted to his music. When not on tour with the Beaux Arts Trio, giving solo performances, or teaching master classes, Pressler can be found teaching at Indiana University, where he holds the rank of Distinguished Professor. He has just returned from an extensive tour of Europe and Israel. This will be his third performance for the Guild.