The New Hollywood String Quartet (NHSQ) returns with its acclaimed Summer of Angels Chamber Music Festival, held from July 10–13, 2025, at Rothenberg Hall in The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. This year’s festival honors the legendary Hollywood String Quartet, with performances drawn from their iconic Capitol Records recordings.
Internationally renowned conductor Leonard Slatkin will introduce and speak at each of the four concerts, offering personal tributes to his parents—Felix Slatkin and Eleanor Aller, the original violinist and cellist of the Hollywood String Quartet.
Opening Night: Jean-Yves Thibaudet Joins NHSQ – July 10
The festival opens on Thursday, July 10 at 7:30 PM, with celebrated pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet joining the NHSQ for an evening featuring chamber works by Borodin and Franck.
Friday, July 11: Alban Gerhardt Performs Schubert
On Friday, July 11 at 7:30 PM, acclaimed cellist Alban Gerhardt performs Schubert’s String Quintet in C Major, preceded by NHSQ’s rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Quartet No. 1.
Saturday, July 12: Ngwenyama, Gerhardt, and Olga Zado Take the Stage
Saturday, July 12 at 5:00 PM features a powerful program with violist and composer Nokuthula Ngwenyama and Alban Gerhardt performing Schoenberg’s Verklärte Nacht, followed by Schumann’s Piano Quintet with pianist Olga Zado.
Grand Finale: Brahms Quintet Concludes Festival – July 13
The festival concludes on Sunday, July 13 at 5:00 PM, as the NHSQ performs Walton’s Quartet No. 2, followed by a grand finale with Olga Zado joining the quartet for Brahms’ Piano Quintet in F Minor—a pinnacle of the chamber music repertoire.
A Tribute Rooted in History and Excellence
The festival not only celebrates the artistry of today’s performers but also pays homage to the Hollywood String Quartet’s legacy. As noted by Los Angeles Times critic Mark Swed, “The New Hollywood String Quartet takes its inspiration from the famed Hollywood String Quartet… The golden era of soundtracks is owed in large part to such studio musicians. That’s still true with the New Hollywood.”
Audiences can expect music of the highest caliber, surrounded by the elegance of The Huntington’s historic gardens and architecture—an unforgettable summer experience for classical music lovers.
Tickets and Information
What: Summer of Angels Chamber Music Festival
When: July 10–13, 2025
Where: Rothenberg Hall, The Huntington, San Marino, CA
Tickets: $12–$35 per concert
Website: www.summerofangels.com
