October 27, 2009 will be remembered as an historic occasion for the world of classical music. This will be the final concert of the world famous Guarneri String Quartet, which is retiring after this performance. Founded in 1964, the Guarneri String Quartet ranks among the most revered and enduring string ensembles in the world. Composed of violinists Arnold Steinhardt and John Dalley, violist Michael Tree and cellist Peter Wiley, the Quartet has circled the globe countless times, playing in the world’s most prestigious halls in North and South America, Mexico, Europe, Asia, and Australia. In addition to mastering the finest works in the existing quartet repertoire, the Guarneri is committed to performing and popularizing works by today’s foremost composers. In the process, it has been recognized in documentaries and educational presentations on radio, television and in a full-length, Academy-Award-winning film. In addition to being the subject of numerous publications, the Guarneri is the only quartet to receive the Award of Merit from the Association of Performing Arts Presenters. In January 2004, the Guarneri also received Chamber Music America’s highest honor, the Richard J. Bogomolny National Service Award.