Kronos Quartet
The celebrated string quartet pays tribute to gospel singer Mahalia Jackson’s incomparable voice, celebrating her legacy and role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Bringing their latest Glorious Mahalia release on Smithsonian Folkways to our stage, the ensemble presents a powerful musical homage that intertwines Jackson’s iconic recordings with newly commissioned works inspired by her life, artistry and activism.
For over 50 years, San Francisco’s Kronos Quartet has reimagined what the string quartet experience can be. One of the most celebrated and influential groups of our era, Kronos has given thousands of concerts worldwide, released more than 70 recordings and collaborated with many of the world’s most accomplished composers and performers across many genres.
Kronos Quartet has a long-standing relationship with Smithsonian Folkways, and has released four albums with the historic label. Rainbow (2010), the eighth volume in Folkways’ Music of Central Asia Series, showcases the quartet in collaboration with Alim and Fargana Qasimov and Homayoun Sakhi, playing music with origins in Azerbaijan and Afghanistan.
Long Time Passing (2020), a tribute to Pete Seeger, features appearances by Sam Amidon, Maria Arnal, Brian Carpenter, Meklit, Lee Knight and Aoife O’Donovan. Mỹ Lai (2022), an opera composed by Jonathan Berger (music) and Harriet Scott Chessman (libretto), explores the historic massacre in Vietnam by American troops from the perspective of those who witnessed it firsthand, including helicopter pilot Hugh Thompson.
In their most recent Folkways release, Glorious Mahalia, Kronos Quartet pays tribute to the inimitable voice of singer Mahalia Jackson, honouring her enduring legacy and role in the Civil Rights Movement.
The ensemble is Gabriela Díaz (violin), David Harrington (violin), Ayane Kozasa (viola) and Paul Wiancko (cello).
Performers
Kronos Quartet
Need to know
Times & tickets
Dates, times and prices
Dates & times
20 Nov 2026, 8.30pm
Run time
1 hour and 30 minutes (approx)
All timings are approximate and subject to change
Standard entry
from £47 + £4 booking fee
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This event is held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Southbank Centre
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