Telegraph Quartet

The Telegraph Quartet (Eric Chin and Joseph Maile, violins; Pei-Ling Lin, viola; Jeremiah Shaw, cello) formed in 2013 with an equal passion for the standard chamber music repertoire and contemporary, non-standard works alike. Described by the San Francisco Chronicle as “…an incredibly valuable addition to the cultural landscape” and “powerfully adept… with a combination of brilliance and subtlety,” the Telegraph Quartet is a previous recipient of the prestigious Walter W. Naumburg Chamber Music Award and the Grand Prize at the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition.

The Quartet is currently the Quartet-in-Residence at the University of Michigan. They have performed in concert halls, music festivals, and academic institutions across the United States and abroad, including New York City’s Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Town Hall, San Francisco’s Herbst Theatre, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s Chamber Music Tuesdays, Philharmonie de Paris, and at festivals including the Chautauqua Institute, Music in the Vineyards in Napa Valley, Interlochen Arts Festival, Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival, and the Emilia Romagna Festival. Prior to their residency at the University of Michigan, the Telegraph was the Quartet-in-Residence at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music between 2017-2024.

Notable collaborations include projects with pianists Leon Fleisher and Simone Dinnerstein; vocalist Theo Bleckmann; composer and pianist Stephen Prutsman; cellists Norman Fischer and Bonnie Hampton; violinist Ian Swensen; and the St. Lawrence Quartet and Henschel Quartett. During the 2026-27 season, Telegraph will perform with acclaimed pianist Awadagin Pratt.

Special Bonus Feature!

Join the Museum’s Associate Curator Bryant Small for a walking tour of the outdoor sculpture exhibition, Common Ground: NJ Artists Think Monumental. This tour is only available to June 11 Back Deck ticketholders and takes place from 5:30-6:15 PM prior to concert check-in.

The tour begins at the front entrance of the museum. The route is accessible, with some uneven terrain. Check-in for the concert begins at 6:30pm.

This is also available at the July 11 concert.

Program

• Jerome Kern (1885-1945), The Way You Look Tonight (1936)
• Eleanor Alberga (1949-), String Quartet No. 3 (2001)
  I. Moderato
  II. Scherzo
  III. Adagio
  IV. Allegro
• Claude Debussy (1862-1918), String Quartet in G minor, Op. 10 (1893)
  I. Animé et très décidé
  II. Assez vif et bien rhythmé
  III. Andantino, doucement expressif
  IV. Très modéré – En animant peu à peu – Très mouvementé et avec passion

Back Deck Visitor Information and Guidelines

Attendees must bring their own chairs and are welcome to bring refreshments. Tickets are $63 for an 8’x8’ block that accommodates up to two patrons or $33 for a block that accommodates one. There is a $3 handling fee per block included in the price. Concerts begin at 7:30 PM. Patrons are welcome to arrive as early as 6:30 PM to enjoy their picnics. In the event of inclement weather, outdoor performances will be held in the Museum’s Bickford Theatre, general admission. For assistance and to make purchases by phone, call the box office at 973-971-3706. All programs subject to change.

Need help with a particular seating request or large group? Please contact the Box Office directly: 973-971-3706

Thank you for your support!

Leadership Support for the Lot of Strings Concert Series is provided by Will and Mary Leland and Lot of Strings founding donor, F. Gary Knapp.

Support for the Back Deck Concert Series is provided by Gary’s Wine & Marketplace and Morris County Tourism Bureau, a Division of the Morris County Economic Development Alliance.

About the Back Deck

Since launching in July 2020, The Back Deck has presented over 72 performances of critically acclaimed artists, welcomed more than 11,000 patrons, and received critical praise from local and national media. The series has presented established artists and rising stars with several ensembles going on to receive national acclaim. Now an established part of the regional cultural landscape, the Museum’s elevated parking deck has become known for elegant tailgates and world-class music each summer.

Photo by Lisa Marie Mazzucco.