Grammy-winning Parker Quartet to perform at La Sierra

They have appeared in the world’s most prestigious concert venues including Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, Konzerthaus Berlin, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, the University of Chicago, among others. Their recognitions include a 2011 Grammy for best chamber music performance.

As noted in their biography, the group is known for its cross-disciplinary approach, exemplified in its 2024 programming that centered on nature and heritage combining music with poetry. Past collaborators include pianists Menahem Pressler, Anne-Marie McDermott, Orion Weiss, Shai Wosner, Billy Childs, and Vijay Iyer. Their performances have extended beyond concert halls and into community-centered locations around Boston including at homeless shelters and youth organizations. Nationally they have appeared in concerts to benefit food banks and social service organizations.

With a commitment to new music, the group has commissioned many works by noted modern composers. During this 2025–26 performance season, the quartet launches The Schubert Project, according to their website, a deep exploration of Franz Schubert’s final chamber works, including his late string quartets and the Cello Quintet.

The Parker Quartet currently serves as Professors of the Practice and Blodgett Artists-in-Residence at the Department of Music at Harvard University.

The Parker Quartet performance at Hole Memorial Auditorium is a collaboration between La Sierra University’s music department and the Anna H. Wang Concert Series based out of Washington Adventist University in Maryland. This year’s performance with the Parker Quartet is the second year the series has appeared at La Sierra University. Founded by Wang's children, the performance series features renowned musical artists, commemorates Wang's 105 years of life which were dedicated to serving others through her work in health care and the support of young people through education and music.

Wang’s granddaughter, Dr. Marilene Wang, a university trustee, an alumnus, surgeon and UCLA medical school professor recalled her close relationship with her grandmother as a child and the pleasant vacations on her grandparents’ farm in Illinois. Wang noted her grandmother’s sacrifice, dedication and impact as a nurse in the China during World War II and later as an immigrant to the United States where she raised her family.

“Anna was a woman ahead of her time, coming of age as a nurse in China during the harrowing years of World War II, where she cared for numerous babies and adults under unspeakable conditions of hardship and terror,” she said in an interview last year. “She came to the U.S. after the war, speaking very little English, raised four children, and worked with my grandfather to establish a thriving nursing home.  She always loved music and believed in the power of music education to change lives.”

Programming for the Anna H. Concert Series is developed by Marilene Wang’s cousin, Dr. Brian Liu, assistant professor of music at Washington Adventist University. He and another of Wang’s cousins Dr. Daniel Lau, WAU’s music department chair, have forged connections in the world of professional performance which has benefited the series. All 11 of Anna Wang’s grandchildren serve on the series’ board of directors.

The concert series program expanded its reach to California and the La Sierra University community in October 2024. Marilene Wang noted music's lifelong impact and her own musical connection to the university through piano instruction with former La Sierra music professor Anita Olsen. Wang continues to play piano and organ for her church.

“There is such a strong, active music department here,” said Wang, “and we believe the mission of the AHW Concert Series would be well served.”

For further information, call 951-785-2036 or email music@lasierra.edu. La Sierra University is located at 4500 Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside.