Friends of Chamber Music: Takács Quartet

The Takács Quartet plays two nights at Lincoln Performance Hall on Monday, October 12 and Tuesday, October 13, both starting at 7:30 PM. The concerts are part of the Friends of Chamber Music 2026-27 Classic Series, and for the big piece of the evening, the quartet is joined by pianist Jeremy Denk.

Each night has its own program, and both center on César Franck's Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 14. On Monday, they pair it with Haydn's Quartet No. 25 in C Major, Op. 20, No. 2 and Warmth from Other Suns by Carlos Simon. Tuesday swaps those out for Mendelssohn's Quartet No. 6 in F minor, Op. 80 and Quijotadas by Gabriela Lena Frank. If you're deciding between the two, the Franck quintet is the common thread, so you'll hear it either way.

There's a bit more to the Tuesday date. During the day, the group gives a free workshop and lecture at Lincoln Recital Hall, where they walk through Quijotadas and talk about the process of learning a contemporary piece and working with a composer. It's a good chance to hear how they approach a newer work before they play it that night.

As for the quartet itself, they're widely recognized as one of the world's great ensembles, valued for the vitality of their interpretation and an effortless chemistry that lets every nuance through. Both concerts are at Lincoln Performance Hall, 1620 SW Park Ave, Portland State University. Tickets run from $32 to $63, with a limited number of $5 Arts for All tickets available to eligible patrons.