The Chiara Quartet is now in their sixteenth season performing together, and for this release are continuing to move forward by taking a cue from the past. The ensemble, for this release, explores the centuries old tradition of performing without printed sheet music. For almost all of the ensemble’s concerts this season, the musicians will be performing the works from memory. The purpose of this practice is to rely solely on hours of practice, rather than the distraction of the sheet music. Chiara’s cellist, Gregory Beaver, says of this practice: “The act of performing from memory has been challenging for us. Each member must find a way to know the music inside and out. But the payback for each of us is equally rewarding, bringing us that much closer together in our music making.”