October 9, 2003 Ethel Rocks at the Library of Congress

Ethel, a remarkably eclectic string quartet whose performances transcend taste, genre and style, performs at 8 p.m., Oct. 16, in the Library's Coolidge Auditorium, Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C.

Formed in 1998 by four versatile freelance musicians with backgrounds in classical, jazz, pop, world music and the avant-garde, Ethel presents a new face for concert music in the 21st century, one as likely to be heard in a club as in a concert hall. The quartet has performed with ensembles ranging from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the New York Philharmonic to the Steve Reich Ensemble, the Silos rock band and artists such as Joe Jackson and Sheryl Crow.

Compared with the Kronos Quartet for its creative approach to repertoire and with the Soldier String Quartet in its use of amplification and electronics, Ethel steps into new territory with its use of improvisation to link individual works within a concert. The group will offer music by Todd Reynolds, Phil Kline, Julia Wolfe, Timo Alakotila, Marcelo Zarvos and John King during its concert on Oct. 16 at the Library. The quartet members are Ralph Farris, viola; Dorothy Lawson, cello; Todd Reynolds and Mary Rowell, violins.

All Library of Congress concerts are presented free of charge but require tickets for admission, which are distributed by Ticketmaster at (301) 808-6900 for a nominal service charge.

For further information, call the Concert Line or visit the concert Web site at www.loc.gov/concerts.