Guarneri String Quartet in Sussex County

NEWTON-On April 16, the classical music world will briefly glance at Newton as its centerpoint when the Guarneri String Quartet takes stage at Christ Episcopal Church, 62 Main Street. This is the last concert this year for the "Concerts at Christ" series which has been bringing quality classical music performers to Sussex County. This small intimate venue still has tickets available for this event. Music critics from around the nation and the world view the Guarneri String Quartet as the very best at what they do: creating music. The New York Times has declared the Guarneri String Quartet. "Has no superior on the world's stage." "We are indeed fortunate at Christ Church to welcome the Guarneri String Quartet to our town," said Jim Ankrom, one of the serie's directors. "Their music is really of the finest quality anywhere." After celebrating their 40th Anniversary together at Lincoln Center, Guarneri has garnered lot of attention the past few years. They have been the subject of several books including Arnold Steinhardt's, Indivisible by Four: A String Quartet in Pursuit of Harmony; a full length film, High Fidelity The Guarneri String Quartet, released in 1989 and an interview by Charles Kuralt for CBS's Sunday Morning. The team of Arnold Steinhardt (first violin), John Dalley (second violin), Michael Tree (viola) and Peter Wiley (cello) will present a program of selections from Ludwig van Beethoven's String Quartet in G Major, Opus 18 to Antonin Dvorak's String Quartet in C Major, Opus 61. When confronted concerning reasons for Guarneri's unusually long existence, Arnold Steinhardt says the key is in the ability to reconcile differences while having fun. "We have a great time at rehearsals, no matter what differences might arise. Of course, we all bring strong egos with us, but each of us is able to keep his ego in the background as we deal with those differences," he said. Seating for the Guarneri Sting Quartet concert at Christ Episcopal Church, 62 Main St., Newton is limited. Tickets will be sold on a first come, first serve basis and are available from Christ Church, call 973-383-7129 or from Lou's Music Center, 120 Spring St., Newton; 973-579-5786. A wine and cheese reception will follow the concert.