S e a t t l e M a r i m b a Q u a r t e t
The Seattle Marimba Quartet, also called SMQ, formed in 2007 by members Christian Krehbiel, Chris Lennard, Craig Wende and Brian Yarkosky. The four members met while earning music degrees at the University of Washington. The members of SMQ are each accomplished musicians in their own right, and together they form an incredibly versatile chamber group. The ensemble has performed throughout the Seattle area and beyond in concerts, master classes, and festivals. Recently SMQ has performed several elementary and middle school shows highlighting diversity by playing musical styles from around the world. SMQ's arrangements have been performed by ensembles both nationally and abroad. They have been featured artists on local and national radio programs such as Northwest Focus Live on 98.1 Classical KING FM, and American Public Media's Performance Today. SMQ strives to engage audiences with their unique blend of drumming styles from around the world, as well as modern marimba repertoire from the 20th and 21st centuries. Much of their current repertoire consists of their original mallet keyboard arrangements of works by such composers as Ravel, Saint-Saëns, Mahler, and Bach. SMQ’s showcase of the diversity of percussion makes for an interesting and entertaining concert experience.
R e v i e w s
"Pleasurably eclectic and smoothly virtuosic, “Singing Wood” — the debut CD by Seattle Marimba Quartet — is a true listening delight. SMQ tackles classical, jazz and Latin repertoire with equal aplomb. Their Ravel (a transcription of his string quartet’s second movement) has a velvety rumble-rustle to it. Their Saint-Saëns (“Aquarium” from “Carnival of the Animals”) is dreamy. Their Bach is brisk, and their Piazzolla is slinky. Seductive stuff!"
- Michael Upchurch, Seattle Times Arts Writer
"SMQ - four intuitive musicians playing skillfully across interesting musical borders - Great fun!"
- Julie Spencer, Solo Marimba Artist/Composer
"Seattle Marimba Quartet will make you forget they use mallets: nuances of bowing and breathing abound. And when they add their hand percussion to the mix, be ready for a festival atmosphere that will leave a loopy perma-grin on your face!"
- Sean MacLean, KING FM
"The Seattle Marimba Quartet is comprised of four outstanding percussionists who I knew quite well during their time at the University of Washington. Their musical and creative abilities will amaze you and their fresh synthesis of an eclectic array of styles is particularly appealing. Enjoy!"
- Timothy Salzman, Professor of Music and Conductor University of Washington Wind Ensemble