Friends of the Daponte String Quartet

re the earlier comment: there are a lot of things in this world that are "perfectly legal" and ethically crappy, and what the Daponte board just did in firing its musicians is in the latter category. The musicians could and should have been a part of a transparent, public, meaningful strategic planning process -- along with donors, constituents, etc. -- at which all of this was discussed and agreed to. The fact they were not makes this just one more hostile corporate takeover. I rate the musicians and their work as the Daponte String Quartet highly -- the organization as it now exists under its new colors I rate "far below expectations."

Let’s make one thing clear that keeps getting lost. What the Board did is perfectly legal. The Board is the organisation and owns the name Daponte String Quartet . The musicians were employed by the Board. They are now free to go create a group under a new name.

When the group created the non-profit and handed all responsibility for running the organisation over to the Board they created the conditions that resulted in this happening. They can hire a lawyer but they haven’t a violin’s string’s chance in Hell of winning in Court as they were employees at will.

I am totally outraged to read that the "Friends" has terminated the Da Ponte Strubg Quartet. I will under no circumstanstances ever donat tho this organization again--no matter what it changes its name to. Diversity over excellence? Humbug.

I have great admiration and respect for the Friends of the DaPonte String Quartet (FDSQ), a non-profit organization, now more than 25 years old. Because of FDSQ's dedicated, enthusiastic, and creative leaders during its initial years, this "start-up" non-profit organization, in a state with a small, but widely dispersed population, situated far from major cities, was successful in persuading the exceptionally talented and highly trained Da Ponte String Quartet to make its permanent home base in Maine. From the start, FDSQ recognized the need to ensure that DSQ's impeccable, inspiring performances could continue to be available to widely dispersed Maine communities, throughout the seasons of the year.
Since its founding, FDSQ has steadily encouraged DSQ's deep study of the string quartet musical form, its composers, evolution, meaning across historical contexts, and its relevance today. FDSQ has understood DSQ's aspirations in artistic development and its eagerness for outreach and sharing its knowledge with its audiences. FDSQ's Board and community volunteers steadfastly support DSQ's efforts to develop and enrich the next generations' access to music. Together they make possible DSQ's educational activities for Maine school children, aspiring young musicians and advanced emerging adult musicians, as well as adult amateur string players, adults in retirement communities, and adults and children in libraries.
Working together toward shared goals, FDSQ/ DSQ have drawn new and more music lovers to DSQ's audiences. All have gained opportunities for deeper understanding of this unique form of collaborative artistic expression. In the process all involved have come to recognize the value of deep mutual engagement between a non-profit organization and superb, adventuresome artists. Indeed, all ages and communities have also received the very precious chance to know and love these exceptionally gifted, inventive, and warmly accessible musicians. As a music lover, volunteer, and supporter of the collaboration of FDSQ and DSQ, I am deeply grateful for opportunities FDSQ's decisions have given to people like me to serve, to learn, and to enjoy world class music.

Well-run organization of dedicated volunteers and staff that supports an excellent string quartet. This organization not only enables public performances, but also educational events, workshops, etc.

The DaPonte String Quartet plays world-class music right here in my town, no need to go to Boston or New York. No matter what else is going on in the world, listening to the DaPonte play makes my spirits soar. I’m not a musician but feel I can help make the music happen by supporting this wonderful quartet.

I work as a volunteer for the DSQ because I want to keep the music alive and flowing. These quartet members are the highest quality musicians and they live in Midcoast Maine and perform here (and around the country) all year long. It is a magical experience to attend one of their concerts. Their knowledge and interpretation of the music is exquisite as are their performances. They are also community-minded and play for school children to encourage them to listen to and possibly play classical music themselves. They have workshops for high school students where they coach them in quartet groups. The all teach students of any age and one of the members conducts two local orchestras who give free performances twice a year and conducts a Portland youth orchestra. I wouldn't miss a chance to hear DSQ perform.

We have enjoyed the DaPonte Quartet for many years, listening to them in Newcastle, South Bristol, Damarascotta, Brunswick, Boothbay Harbor, and Portland Maine. With obvious pride, we have taken visiting guests from San Francisco, Chicago, and New York to their concerts and have watched the wonder on their faces at finding such exquisite music so "far away" from civilization! Their pitch is always perfect and they approach each piece with enthusiasm and love. They love what they do and they love doing it together. And they are extremely generous -- they performed a concert for a medical/health partnership between professionals in Southern Maine and Haiti, Konbit Sante Cap-Haitien Health Partnership, which raised almost $5000. They are a part of the fabric of the Southern Maine community and enrich the lives of very many of us. We're blessed with good fortune. Michael & Wendy Taylor

I've been going to the DSQ for many years and have never failed to be impressed by its energy, passion, and musicianship. Remarks made by individual members of the Quartet are always interesting, scholarly, and fun. It is first-rate chamber music. We are very fortunate to have them in Maine.

The DaPonte String Quartet is a world-class clssical music ensemble that -- amazingly enough -- chose some time ago to live and work in Maine. It's not that life has been easy for them, but, having made this somewhat-odd choice, they are living for their music. They rehearse for three hours every weekday. When outside guest artists come to perform with them, they can't believe what a luxury it is to have this kind of intensive rehearsal, where , by working literally note by note, the four musicians make magic happen. And meanwhile, they teach, do master classes, concerts, and many other acts of generosity. Those of us who live in Maine have no idea how lucky we are to have them live among us.

There is a subtlty to the interpretations of the DaPonte String Quartet that teaches the audience, even a well educated audience member, about the piece of music, which only come from a musical group that is made up of insightful musicians. This group does that.

One of the joys of living in Coastal Maine is that we have so many chances to enjoy the most beautiful music written for String Quartet, played by extraordinary, dedicated and professional musicians. I very much appreciate the DaPonte String Quartet dedication to educating their audiences with thoughtful and comprehensive notes for every performance, as well as personal introductions for each piece. This "extra" does so much to bring an element of excitement to each concert. The Quartet is also dedicated to bringing this wonderful music to children of all ages and also to the elderly in nursing homes who may not be able to come to the concerts in person. I personally feel very privileged to know these wonderful people, and to volunteer my services to them.

I have been listening to the DaPonte String Quartet for 20 years--which is as long as it has been a Quartet--and I continue t think it is wonderful! My husband and I moved to Maine from the New York area, where we were used to hearing all kinds of extraordinary music, and we were amazed to find world class music in what seemed like a rural setting. We were also delighted by the intimacy of the settings; we loved the fact that the members of the Quartet became our friends. And we were impressed by the Quartet's generous outreach to the community--their free concerts in schools, for example, and in retirement home, and their concerts to benefit the restoration of historic buildings. Over the years, their programs have grown in sophistication, and their playing in excellence. I find it hard to believe, but they just keep getting better and better!

The DaPonte is a world-class string quartet, and we are unbelievably lucky to have it here in the mid-coast region. The musicians bring passion, expertise, intellectual rigor, and a lively sense of programming to their offerings, whether Beethoven, a contemporary work, or the lives of the Mendelssohns.

For twenty years the Daponte String Quartet has brought the enjoyment of classical music to the Maine midcoast region., not only through its concerts, but also through its many workshops and demonstrations in the public schools in the area.
Every year accomplished high school students spend a week-end at Camp Kiev in Waldoboro. Me receiving free coaching in chamber music. In addition, the quartet brings its music to retirement homes and veterans' groups.
The Daponte players make a wonderful addition to the cultural life of this state.

Even though I am a total non-musician, I thoroughly agree with "Musiclover" who wrote that there seems to be "a magical coalescing of the minds and skills of these four, [such that they create] a single extraordinary instrument, the DaPonteString Quartet". I have had the pleasure of knowing two of the members -- off and on, since 1982 -- and it doesn't surprise me a bit that they have achieved what they have achieved -- as professionals and as simply wonderful warm human beings. These latter traits come through in their superb pre-concert talks and at the receptions afterward. I come from out-of-state but from the commentary I totally agree that residents of rural Maine are lucky to have these four extraordinary public-spirited musicians/teachers in their midst.

Heard this quartet , and had a chance to get to know its musicians
when they visited the West coast.

Music: absolutely superlative. The musicians: four extraordinary people. Impressive and delightful, in so many different ways.

I wonder if the level of music they make comes a magical coalescing
of the minds and skills of these four, so that they become a single extraordinary instrument, the DaPonteString Quartet. It seems to me that this quartet could, if it wanted to, and with appropriate management, take its rightful place in the much larger musical world.

But it also seems that these four are dedicating their lives to providing
un-canned music and string-instrument education to the adults
and children of Maine. Other parts of our country should be so lucky.

My wife and I have attended performances by the DaPonte String Quartet for a number of years and in all the venues in which they have performed, and we have been delighted with their musicianship and their skill in playing the music they have chosen. We have seen personnel changes over time, but the group keeps getting better. We particularly like the way the two violinists, Ferdinand Liva and Lydia Forbes, trade places to avoid the trap of one of them always being the "first" violin. We are also partial to the comments on the piece the quartet is about to perform, especially when Myles Jordan speaks: he has a profound sense of humor. Inspired by these comments, we have made a point of trying to attend the discussions an hour prior to each concert. What I have not said in this "review" is that all four members of the quartet are outstanding musicians and that their performances are absolutely superb. As elderlies with long experience in concert-going, we have heard many performances of much of the music the DaPonte chooses to perform, and we are always absolutely delighted with their readings, their interpretation, and their ability to come together as an ensemble to create a superb performance.

The DaPonte musicians and the music they bring to our part of Maine contribute immeasurably to what makes this such a good place to live. Anyone who cares about a rich musical life knows that we would be impoverished without them.

We are so blessed to have The Daponte String Quartet in our area. They are extremely talented and bring so much musical joy to this area, both to adults and children. They are an inspiration to all of us. Their concerts are phenomenal and they touch the lives of many!

Since the Daponte Quartet first came to Maine, my friends and i have enjoyed attending their marvelous concerts. From the great lawn of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens to the quaint pews of the Old Walpole Meeting House, whatever the venue, listening to their music is always a joy.

We are fortunate to have DSQ in our area. In addition to their incredible performances, they are my childrens teachers(cello & violin), orchestra conductors and models of professional musicians. They enrich our small community not only thru their beautiful performances but also thru their outreach into our childrens schools and their friendship.

Thank you for all the joy that your music brings to the hearts of it"s listners!!!

I try to learn all I can about music as an aspiring pianist so I particularly enjoy hearing the DaPonte when joined by a pianist. Whenever they play they make their love and knowledge of the music so obvious and I particularly appreciate the often humorous but always insightful stories of the music they are about to play

I have been an admirer of Kirsten Monke for over a decade. I have followed her career from her illustrious time with the Santa Barbara Orchestra and Santa Barbara Symphony to her time now with the DaPonte String Quartet. To say she is a first class Chamber musician is an understatement. She is a solid professional, respected by her peers. To do what she has done, and bring such vital music to Maine is heroic. Please give your support to this important musical initiative!

I have loved each of the DaPonte String Quartet concerts at the Methodist Church in Brunswick on Sunday afternoons.

This is an outstanding group of musicians. They need to be heard in an even wider range of venues. They are truly one of the gems of Maine.
Repeatedly, they have demonstrated outstanding musicianship, amazing technique, brilliant interpretations, and high energy. We've GOT to support them so that they can continue exciting the youth of Maine and anyone who attends their performances. We are really blessed to have such a fine group of musicians in our midst and must do everything we can to help them thrive.

We are extremely fortunate to have the DaPonte String Quartet in our community. The musicians are role models for our children. In addition to their concert schedule, they teach private lessons and conduct youth orchestras.

I am an amateur cellist. I have heard the DaPonte play and have been coached by present and former members of the quartet. Their playing is technically and musically excellent, and they are a wonderful inspiration and teacher for amateur players.

The DaPonte String Quartet brings beautiful classical music alive in our midcoast Maine area. Both my sons study with one of the quartet's violinists. We have enjoyed attending concerts as a family, finding inspiration in their performances. The quartet members further enhance the community with educational programs before their concerts and at local schools.

As a parent of three children who had the privilege of studying violin with Ferdinand Liva of the Daponte String Quartet, our family has been attending their wonderful concerts for several years now. They do so much for young budding musicians both in offering lessons and activities, but also by inspiring them with their deeply moving performances. They also offer free concerts for the community from time to time. Classical music is alive and well in our community. They play truly as one instrument just wringing out of the music the depth of feeling they bring to it. I enthusiastically look forward to each concert.

The DaPonte string quartet plays incredible music, knows and shares background information on the pieces they are playing and even information on changes in how the pieces have been played over the years. Whenever I go to a concert I know I will hear a variety of fantastic music played splendidly! Thank you DaPonte String Quartet!!!

It was in 1994 that I first heard the DaPonte Quartet. I was bowled over with the quality of their playing. Subsequently we had them as coaches at our chamber music workshops. Many of their performances stand out in my mind as exemplars of what string quartet playing should be. Their intonation is as good as I can imagine possible. They, unlike many quartets, utilize a very wide dynamic range. That adds life to the music.

At our workshops we had the pleasure of hearing them rehearse. The quality of their playing doesn't just come from inspiration and talent. There is a great deal of hard work to attain the level of perfection that they achieve.

Alas, it has been a while since I have heard them, but I consider them to be an epitome of quartet playing.

I first heard the DaPonte string quartet play almost 20 years ago in Philadelphia. The most impressive features of their playing are the impeccable intonation, and the extreme wide range of dynamics. I have never heard a quartet that has such wonderful contrast in dynamics.

The most memorable performance of the quartet that I heard was when they played Beethovan op. 18 no. 1, particularly the second movement. The violin starts softly and then crescendos. I had to lean forward to hear, and then wasn't sure if I was actually hearing the instrument in real time, or if I was just creating it out of memory. The whole movement was played at the level of piano/pianissimo that was astounding. I still get chills thinking of that superb performance.

I have followed the DaPonte String Quartet from afar for a couple of years, having heard about it from its violist Kirsten Monke. I hear their broadcasts on Maine Public Radio. They are a dedicated and talented group of musicians devoted to bringing wonderful music to diverse audiences. And, by means of the internet, these audiences can be around the world.

I have heard and enjoyed the DaPonte string quartet when they performed at the Kellogg Church in Harpswell. The four performers connect well with the audience. They have a broad base of knowledge of music and all are gifted musicians. I especially like it when they review and teach about a piece just before they play it.
I would give them a 5 star rating!!

My wife and I have attended numerous performances of the DaPonte string quartet and have been delighted and amazed at the level of their performances. Generally the venues are small and the intimacy of each performance is extraordinary. They are one of our favorite treats we give ourselves each year and we look forward to their work and enthusiastically endorse them.

I have enjoyed many of the DaPonte String Quartet's summer concerts; each of them impressed me with the excellence of the performance and the warm professionalism of the performers. After several years of enjoying multiple performances each summer (when I visit the area), I've yet to hear the same piece twice. The DaPonte perpetually push and expand their repertoire, regularly inviting other wonderful artists to perform with them in dazzling quintets. But they don't stop at lovely summer performances during the most attractive season in Maine (when the tourists and their purses bound) -- they continue these performances year round, bringing glorious music to the year round residents.
The DaPonte provides world class musical performances to an audience that might otherwise never get to hear music performed at that level. In addition to their work as performers, the DaPonte work tirelessly to bring music to young students, performing and doing workshops in schools. The members also promote music education in the area by teaching private students.
The DaPonte Quartet is made up of four truly amazing musicians. As such, their strong suit is not scheduling and planning, but learning, teaching, growing and performing. And thus, it is imperative that they have enough money to afford to hire a talented regular manager.

I have seen the DaPonte String Quartet perform and was impressed by their skills as musicians and their ability to convey their love for what they do to the audience with such clarity and respect. All are outstanding musicians and the people of Maine are lucky to have them here to listen to and appreciate.

Having returned to Maine 2 years ago and settled in Damariscotta, I was surprised to find what many people described at the best string quartet in Maine in residence on the mid-coast. The accolades were warranted. The Daponte plays to enthusiastic if small audiences in the small towns of Newcastle, Walpole, South Bristol as well as in Brunswick and Portland. They bring a level of musicianship and musical pleasure unusual in rural America. Each concert also contains explanations of the work and social gatherings to meet the musicians. Thus the Daponte have really anchored themselves in the community.
Receipts from ticket sales are no where nearly adequate to support musicians and their families. The members of the quartet take on teaching assignments and private tutoring to make ends meet. Yet, they find time to offer their services, free of charge, to help raise funds and awareness for earthquake and cholera victims in Haiti. As a member of the board of Konbit Sante, the Maine based NGO which will benefit from their offer of help for Haiti, I strongly recommend the Daponte to receive a grant.

One might expect a chamber music group to appeal opnly to an elite audience; nothing could be further from the truth with this group. In addition to bringing world-class performances to mid-coast Maine where there are no other serious musical opportunities, they are regularly in schools, rest homes and with veterans' groups, in pursuit of theeir mission to expand the reach of music. My particular admiration for them is that they also teach--even those of us who come much too late in life to hope for real success, but who have always dreamt of playing.

I feel strongly that the DaPonte Quartet deserves support. The musicians carefully chose well balnaced programs including "old chestnuts" as well as relatively unknown new compositions.

Each concert is exemplefied by their expert musicianship and total focus on making good music. Does applause really measure their success or that of any other performing group - I think not, in the final analysis. Most people applaud politely - what is more important, I feel, is that to scan the faces of the audience during and after the concert, one sees a sea of smiles - happy faces -made so by the intensity and sheer personal delight with which they play.

Most of the arts and even some of the professions participate because it is their "calling," not unlike a minister feels the need, nay "calling" to serve. And so it is with musicians who certainly do not get rich, unless, oof course, they are world famous soloists. Rather, most musicians have to scramble to keep their families housed and fed, yet they continue to feel that it is their "calling" and share their music with us.

DaPonte meets our needs in this time of worldwide strife to bring us, if only for the duration of their performance, to a better place - one of peace and calmness - to a feeling of lightness, less stressed by their enlightened play.

Let us give thanks and support them as best we can so that they will continue to provide us those brief periods of joy and peace.

The DaPonte String Quartet has been bringing high-quality classical music to communities all over the state of Maine for years. They perform in small venues, reach out to their audience by speaking before each piece, and are always available during intermission and after concerts to have personal contact with members of the audience. They perform outreach concerts in public schools throughout the state and provide workshops for interested amateur musicians. They could easily have made the choice to stay in a major East Coast cultural center and advance their personal careers. Instead, they opted courageously to commit to the state of Maine and its residents and to provide the greatest possible number of musical experiences to the broadest possible audience. Their concerts are always of the highest caliber, and their programming encompasses not only the standard string quartet literature but also works by new and emerging composers. They are cultural asset to the state and deserve to be supported to the fullest extent possible.

I went to a concert at St Andrews in Newcastle on February 11. The quartet gave a wonderful performance -- especially the Beethoven which was energetic and exciting.

The DaPonte String Quartet is one of Maine's treasures. I attended the Feb. 11th concert at St. Andrew's Church in Newcastle, Maine. Their playing and musical expression is superb. Their pre-concert informational talk also greatly adds to the audience's pleasure in the music. My family makes a point to travel down to the coast to hear the DaPonte regularly because they are wonderful!

I began to attend concerts when the DaPonte String Quartet first came to Maine in 1995 on a rural Residency Grant from the NEA and Chamber Music America. For a musical neophyte, it was thrilling to have this opportunity to hear such exquisite music played so well. The Quartet has an extraordinarily full schedule of concerts, teaching, coaching, and playing in schools and retirement communities, all of which have enriched many lives immeasurably.

I attended a concert this weekend. It was excellent, good talk before the performance too. A good asset to the community.

The DaPonte String Quartet has been an excellent institution in our community.
They play concerts at a highly professional level (I would be glad to buy CD's
when available---which, by the way, is certainly not the case for other local musical groups.)
Moreover, their talks before concerts and when introducing pieces is a great help in understanding
new pieces as well as giving new insight on the more traditional repetoire.
They have also done a marvelous job in bring music appreciation to many public schools. More of this
needs to be done.

The DaPonte String Quartet has been bringing beautiful music in the highest quality performannce to the people ofthe many small towns in Midcoast Maine, who might otherwise never hear this great music . They immeasurably enrich the lives of their concert audiences, and young and old people in schools and institutions. Doris Balant