 Name: Robertwinter Website: n/a Date: 17 Nov 11 08:22pm |
I might be accused by some of being biased since violist Beth Oakes is the daughter of my sister Pat and her husband Mel Oakes. But a family tie will only get you so far, and the Maia have transcended that for more than two decades now. I have wonderful memories of working with the group on Op. 127 at Aspen the first time they tackled late Beethoven. They proved themselves remarkably versatile, conquering not just the great central rep from Haydn through Bartok but commissioning new works and constantly looking for new ways to bring this great literature and sound to new audiences. I have worked with many string quartets, and none have been more open to suggestions and ideas (which they then made their own) than the Maia. I always felt they derived as much pleasure playing for a group of 4th graders as they did playing a big main stage concert. Regardless of the personnel changes over the years, this unquenchable spirit remained. My most special memory grows out of the extraordinary week we spent together at UI in 2007 when the group tackled Scandanavian music (and gave an unforgettable performance of the Grieg Quartet). I don't recall participating in a concert that was so profoundly moving at the same time it was such sheer unbridled fun. I'll be thinking of Beth and the group on the 18th as they play their official farewell, but all the wonderful sounds I was privileged to hear them make over the years will resonate in me for a lifetime. Heartfelt thanks! Much love, Uncle Bob |
|
Name: Liz Ziemann Website: n/a Date: 11 Nov 11 02:56pm |
Some of my very best memories from college are playing music under the guidance of the Maias (the Ariels will love you forever). Then to top it all off, I was lucky enough to have them play at my wedding--something I will never forget. You are all wonderful people and will be sorely missed. Best wishes in all of your future adventures! -Liz (King) Ziemann |
|
Name: Cbeaderstadt Website: n/a Date: 11 Nov 11 11:06am |
I am so thankful for the memories I have of the Maia Quartet! You have all inspired me to find joy in every piece of music I play. I feel so fortunate to have had you as mentors in my life. Best wishes to you all! The Ariels love you! |
|
Name: The Gassmans Website: www Date: 10 Nov 11 02:43pm |
You have provided a rare and wonderful service for our city. We have enjoyed many of your concerts, which were (and will be tonight) full of real, honest emotion and gripping energy. We will miss these events and the opportunity to hear such world-class music in our own neighborhood. Thank you for sharing your love of classical and chamber music with us! |
|
Name: Skorton Website: n/a Date: 10 Nov 11 11:26am |
Thanks, Maia, for playing so beautifully at our wedding September 23, 2004! You were so kind to accommodate the time, space and other constraints that beautiful fall morning! You will always be a fond part of our memories of that day. We know you will be missed by so many - congratulations on a terrific run. David Skorton and Robin Davisson |
|
Name: Katie Klocke Website: n/a Date: 10 Nov 11 11:06am |
God bless the Maia! Some of my fondest and most instructive memories of my time at Iowa are from the times I spent in coachings and seminars with the Maia. At the beginning of my first year, you were getting ready for a concert and invited students for a run through in the old choral room. There were a handful of us there and, of course, you played beautifully. It was the first time at the university that I was truly amazed and inspired. Thank you for all of the beautiful music and invaluable lessons! |
|
Name: Rachel M Website: n/a Date: 09 Nov 11 06:33pm |
THE END OF AN ERA! Beth, it\'s been a great run! Having been around since the very inception of the group, and having had the pleasure of knowing and working with you at so many different stages, it is so very poignant to see the Maia Quartet come to an end!!! Happy memories of Shostakovich quintet at Peabody, Brahms in Iowa, all the way to my own quintet not so very long ago. Tim, Amy, Ken - I\'m thinking of you guys too! (Those photos... we were all SO YOUNG! What happened????) ALL MY BEST to each and every one of you. |
|
Name: Dorispreucil Website: n/a Date: 09 Nov 11 11:56am |
Thank you for giving us many evenings of beautiful music through the years. A special memory is the Haydn Slam, your amazing playing of so many quartets, and hearing the "Seven Last Words" live for the first time. All good wishes for the next steps in your careers. |
|
Name: Vivian Fung Website: www Date: 09 Nov 11 11:49am |
What I shock when I heard this - I really loved working with you on my Miniatures for clarinet and string quartet. The recording sounds fantastic, and I hope that we will cross paths again. You will be missed! Vivian xoxo |
|
Name: Amos Website: n/a Date: 08 Nov 11 11:43pm |
Wow, what great memories these photos bring back. Do you remember the "goose girl" at the kids' show in Austin that made me cry?!? And Tim's car that rained on us in buckets? Ahh...the glamour of it all. Seriously though, the memories are so vivid and I am grateful to have been a part of the Maia's journey. All the wonderful musicians we were able to make music with and all the families that adopted the quartet along the way. I am especially thankful to my colleagues for running the career of the quartet with such integrity and discipline. I also want to thank the Iowa City community for welcoming us so warmly and supporting us in so many ways. I look forward to following up with all of you hopefully in the near future. |