A dazzling array of musical talents will be showcased throughout the season during these hour-long programs, organized by John Beutel and sponsored by the Stoughton Area Senior Center. All Music Appreciation events are free and open to the public.

Hailing from the University of Wisconsin Mead Witter School of Music, the Pro Arte String Quartet captivates audiences with the elegance and passion of one of the world's most storied string quartets. With over a century of history and a legacy that includes performances at the most prestigious venues worldwide, they’re bringing unparalleled artistry and tradition to the Opera House stage. From the timeless works of Haydn and Beethoven to exciting contemporary commissions, their concerts are thoughtfully curated to engage, inform, and inspire a wide range of listeners.

This year’s quartet features cellist Parry Karp, violinist David Perry, violinist Suzanne Beia, and violist Sally Chisholm.

Cellist Parry Karp is Artist-in Residence and the Graebner Professor of Chamber Music and Cello, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he is director of the string chamber music program. He has been cellist of the Pro Arte Quartet for the past 48 years, the longest tenure of any member in the quartet's over 100 year history. 

Violinist David Perry enjoys an international career as chamber musician, soloist, and teacher. Mr. Perry has performed in Carnegie Hall, most of the major cultural centers of North and South America, Europe, and the Far East. Mr. Perry joined the Pro Arte Quartet and the UW-Madison faculty in 1995, and was granted a Paul Collins Endowed Professorship in 2003. The Pro Arte celebrated its Centennial Anniversary in 2011-2012. Composers commissioned for the celebration include William Bolcom, John Harbison, Pierre Jalbert, Walter Mays, Benoit Mernier and Paul Schoenfield.

Suzanne Beia is second violinist of the Pro Arte Quartet, artist in residence, and chamber music coach for both the School of Music and the Wisconsin Youth Symphony at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Sally Chisholm, violist of the Pro Arte Quartet, and Professor of Viola at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has had an extensive career in chamber music. She was a founding member of the Thouvenel String Quartet who won first prize at the Weiner International Chamber Music Competition, was a finalist of New York's Naumburg Competition, performed on NBC's TODAY Show, and toured China and Tibet.

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