Music on Mondays Features the 414 String Quartet
Maranatha’s Music on Mondays recently welcomed the 414 String Quartet for a concert featuring classical composers Beethoven and Schubert. Attendees left the concert admiring the players’ talent and skill. Concertgoer Micah Herbster comments, “The 414 String Quartet features talented and thoughtful musicians. Their captivating performance was expressive and inspiring.”
About the 414
The Milwaukee-based 414 Quartet strives to raise awareness of classical music through performance, education, and community outreach. Formed in 2017, the quartet comprises Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra violinists Alex Ayers and Paul Hauer, violist Alejandro Duque, and cellist Peter Thomas. Deeply committed to education and outreach, the quartet’s individual musicians have decades of experience as teachers, coaches, and music advocates. They have worked with students at public and private schools across the Midwest by giving masterclasses, conducting school orchestras, and coaching student ensembles. The quartet aims to attract new audiences by performing a wide range of repertoire in non-traditional venues often collaborating with guest artists. Whether an avid classical music lover or a first-time listener, the accessible and innovative 414 Quartet is an experience not to miss.
The Musicians
Alex Ayers, violin
A native of Waukesha, Wisconsin, Alex Ayers was previously a member of the Madison Symphony and has played with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra since 2013
Paul Hauer, violin
Paul Hauer joined the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in the fall of 2016. Before moving to Milwaukee, Mr. Hauer was Principal Second Violin of the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra and played regularly with the Indianapolis Symphony and Louisville Orchestra. Recently, Mr. Hauer started serving as Artist in Residence at Barcel Suzuki String Academy and currently serves as a string instructor at Maranatha Baptist University.
Alejandro Duque, viola
Coming from Austin, Texas, Alejandro was a member of the Austin Symphony and the indie band Montopolis. He has performed at numerous music festivals across the country.
Peter Thomas, cello
Peter J. Thomas has been a member of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra since 2008 and has performed around the world as a multi-genre soloist, clinician, educator, and chamber musician. As a teacher, Mr. Thomas maintains a private cello studio of gifted musicians and has served on the faculty of the American Suzuki Institute each summer since 2013. Peter performs on a fine English cello circa 1813 by maker Thomas Kennedy.
Available below is the 414 String Quartet Concert in its entirety. Also, available to view are photos from the event.
The Music on Mondays concert series will continue in the fall 2021 academic year. Visit https://www.mbu.edu/monday/ for announcements and information about upcoming events. Maranatha’s music community thanks the performers from this year’s concerts for their support of the fine arts in a university and community setting. MBU students and supporters have been inspired by the musical talents presented by these outstanding musicians!