Family ties with strings attached

InConcert Sierra presents a world-class family affair with the Escher String Quartet and guest cellist David Speltz at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19.The quartet is one of the fastest rising stars of North American string quartets. The ensemble features violinists Brendan Speltz and Adam Barnett-Hart, cellist Brook Speltz, and violist Pierre Lapointe. The name Speltz may sound familiar to Nevada County audiences since David Speltz, father of quartet members Brook and Brendan, has performed locally for years as the principal cellist for the InConcert Sierra Orchestra.The quartet will perform Webern's "Six Bagatelles, Op. 9," Kreisler's "Quartet in A Minor," and David Speltz will join the ensemble for Schubert's "Quintet for Strings in C Major, D. 956." David Speltz was a member of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra under Sir Neville Marriner, and served as principal cellist of the California Chamber Orchestra under Henri Temianka. He has also, in the course of 44-plus years, played in Hollywood studio orchestras for more than 1,000 movies."I can't think of anything more fulfilling and emotionally satisfying than performing great music with my sons, and on such a high level to boot!" said Speltz. "What's great about this occasion is joining my boys in a community so dear to my heart," Speltz continued. "My wife Connie and I were introduced to Nevada County 18 years ago performing for Indian Springs Vineyard fundraising events. For the past five years, Connie and I have been principals with the InConcert Sierra Orchestra. We really feel like family here! This is my third performance joining the Escher, the second time for the great Schubert C major Quintet." The concert will take place at Seventh-day Adventist Church, 12889 Osborne Hill Road, Grass Valley. Tickets are $38, available at 530-273-3990 or inconcertsierra.org.