Kronos Quartet

Kronos Quartet is a string quartet based in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1973 by violinist David Harrington, the quartet is considered one of the most acclaimed and influential ensembles of its kind in the world. The group has performed and recorded works by a wide range of composers and artists, including John Cage, Ornette Coleman, Steve Reich, Terry Riley, Alfred Schnittke, Osvaldo Golijov, and Philip Glass.

Kronos Quartet's most acclaimed albums include Pieces of Africa (1992), a compilation of traditional African folk music, and Requiem for a Dream (1999), a collaboration with composer and producer Clint Mansell. Their most popular songs include “Tear Garden,” “Til the Morning Comes,” and “Ascension,” all from Requiem for a Dream.

An interesting fact about Kronos Quartet is that they have worked with over 400 composers, performed in over 40 countries, and commissioned over 900 works and arrangements for string quartet.