Casals Festival to end this week with high-caliber concerts

Established a decade ago, the Ulysses Quartet has become a beacon of excellence in the world of chamber music. (Facebook via Ulysses Quartet)

By The Star Staff

After two exhilarating weekends brimming with music and extraordinary talent, the Casals Festival 2025 enters its final week, poised to deliver two high-caliber concerts that promise a memorable conclusion.

Today at 7 p.m., the esteemed Ulysses Quartet -- an ensemble of four exceptional string virtuosos hailing from Canada, the United States and Taiwan -- will grace the stage at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music in Miramar. The evening will showcase the quartet’s remarkable artistry as they perform captivating works by legendary composers Haydn, Auerbach and Dvořák. Celebrated as one of the most electrifying string quartets in the contemporary classical scene, the Ulysses Quartet are known to enthrall audiences with their daring interpretations and innovative approach to chamber music.

Established a decade ago, the Ulysses Quartet has become a beacon of excellence in the world of chamber music. Their illustrious career has garnered them numerous international accolades, as well as prestigious residencies at noted institutions such as Juilliard and GBH Music. They have enchanted audiences in iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall and Wigmore Hall.

The quartet is dedicated not only to artistic excellence but also to music education, developing engaging interactive programs and workshops designed to make classical music accessible to diverse audiences. Additionally, they actively promote the work of underrepresented composers. Their diverse discography reflects their passion for both traditional and contemporary repertoire, showcasing their versatility and commitment to the art form.

The festival will culminate on Saturday, June 7, at 7 p.m. in the Pablo Casals Symphony Hall at the Luis A. Ferré Fine Arts Center (CBA by its initials in Spanish) in Santurce. This grand closing concert will feature renowned American cellist Mark Kosower, who will perform as a soloist with the prestigious Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra under the masterful direction of principal conductor Maximiano Valdés. The concert program promises to be an emotional journey, highlighted by Gustav Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 5 and the vibrant Concerto No. 2 by Argentine composer Alberto Ginastera, creating an unforgettable experience for classical music aficionados.

Kosower, known for his rich and distinctive sound as well as his remarkable interpretive versatility, serves as the principal cellist of the acclaimed Cleveland Orchestra. He has earned a reputation as a celebrated soloist and chamber musician. His repertoire spans an impressive range, from beloved classical masterpieces to lesser-known concertos by composers such as Ginastera and Miklos Rozsa, with recordings that can be found on esteemed labels like Naxos and Delos. In 2017, he established the Bach for Humanity initiative, dedicated to bringing the timeless music of Bach to diverse communities, including shelters and educational centers. Kosower has performed as a soloist with prestigious orchestras across the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America, and has captivated audiences at renowned international festivals.

The Casals Festival, organized by the Corporation for the Performing Arts, stands as one of the leading classical music events in the Caribbean, having established itself as a vital platform for internationally acclaimed artists and a cherished meeting place for devoted fans of the beloved genre.

Tickets for the concerts are available at Ticketera, Ticket Center and the CBA box office.