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The eclectic and highly polished Beo String Quartet takes its name from a Latin word meaning “to bless, make happy, gladden, and delight." Founded in 2015 by musicians from Devils Lake, North Dakota, Beo has created a niche for itself as a daring, genre-defying ensemble whose performances have been compared to those of the best among 21st century international string quartets.With 65 world premieres to its credit and 145 concert works played throughout the United States, South America, and Europe, the iconoclastic Beo String Quartet does what it loves best: playing classical repertoire, contemporary, rock, and experimental music. Beo started out as a lark for two Mexican-American brothers, Jason Neukom and Sean Neukom, who decided to record a song entitled “Happy, Happy,” composed by Sean—but they would need two more players. With the addition of Andrew Giordano and Ryan Ash, the Beo String Quartet was formed. Amid touring the world, composing, performing, recording, teaching, and having fun, Beo has since founded Beo Publishing, built a recording studio, and started its own recording label: NeuKraft Records.
On January 31, 2023, the Beo String Quartet made an auspicious New York début at the distinguished Morgan Library and Museum. On the same day, the quartet released a new album on their NeuKraft Records label entitled 131, named for Beethoven’s celebrated String Quartet No.14 in C-sharp minor, Op.131. In addition to the Beethoven, the recording includes Missy Mazzoli’s “Enthusiasm Strategies” and “19/20” by Beo violist and composer Sean Neukom.
Undaunted by artistic or logistical challenges, they play the masters in a variety of settings, collaborate with living composers, and explore technology’s capacity to the fullest. Called “absolutely spectacular” by composer Marc Mellits (University of Chicago), and “an ensemble whose music-making speaks to the heart as well as the mind” by composer Richard Danielpour (Curtis Institute of Music), Beo defies categorization. Works such as “Haydn Recycled” and “Projection 1: Triple Quartet” combine virtuosic quartet writing and staging in various forms. To date, Beo has performed more than 100 concert works, including some 45 world premieres, throughout Europe and the United States.
Tickets are available at the door, in advance online, or by calling (701) 777-4195.
Non-member tickets: $35 per concert
Member tickets: $30 per concert
Student and Military tickets: $10 per concert
Children 12 and under: Free
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
261 Centennial Dr, Grand Forks, ND, United States, North Dakota 58202
