The Malta Arts Festival, in collaboration with the University of Malta, is proud to present a one-day residency with Kronos Quartet, which will take place between 10.00 and 17.30 on Wednesday 18th July at the Auditorium of the Valletta Campus of the University of Malta in St Paul’s Street, Valletta. The residency will give emerging composers the opportunity to share their work with what is considered as one of the most important contemporary ensembles. However, the encounter with the celebrated San Francisco-based quartet is not limited only to composers. The residency is open to artists, performers, and members of the general public who want to know more about the ensemble and their work.

In a career that has spanned three decades, Kronos has boldly pursued a singular artistic vision that has established them as one of the most celebrated string quartets of all time. Combining a spirit of fearless exploration with a commitment to expanding the range and context of the string quartet, Kronos has released more than 45 recordings of unusual range, innovation and creativity, including the haunting soundtrack for the Darren Aronofsky film Requiem for a Dream.Kronos has furthermore been the recipient of various prestigious accolades, including: the 2011 Polar Music Prize, the 2011 Avery Fisher Prize, and the Grammy award for Best Chamber Music Performance in 2004.

During the one-day residency, participants will discuss their works with the Kronos Quartet members in workshops and discussion sessions aimed at investigating the composer/performer dynamic as a collaborative process. Kronos will demonstrate their working processes and discuss their artistic vision while sharing with the participants the music that inspires their creative journey. Participants will also get a singular opportunity to see Kronos rehearse and sound-check in the afternoon before their Malta Arts Festival concert A Thousand Thoughts, which will take place on Tuesday 17th of July at the Argotti Gardens.