New Hollywood String Quartet Honors Legacy of Iconic Predecessors

In a poignant celebration of musical heritage, the New Hollywood String Quartet launched its annual festival on July 12, 2025, at the Huntington’s Rothenberg Hall in San Marino, California. This year's festival marks the 25th anniversary of the quartet and pays tribute to the legendary Hollywood String Quartet, which made significant contributions to both classical and film music in the mid-20th century.

The Hollywood String Quartet, formed in the late 1930s, was initially met with skepticism within the classical music community due to its association with the film industry. Despite this, it flourished under the leadership of Felix Slatkin and Eleanor Aller, who were pivotal figures in Hollywood's music scene. Their ensemble produced groundbreaking recordings of Beethoven’s late string quartets and collaborated with renowned artists like Frank Sinatra. The original quartet disbanded during World War II but was reestablished in 1947, continuing to influence composers and musicians alike until its dissolution in the 1960s.

According to Leonard Slatkin, a celebrated conductor and son of Felix Slatkin and Eleanor Aller, the original quartet's legacy is not just a testament to their artistic excellence but also a reflection of the evolving relationship between classical music and film scores. "My parents saw the music of movies as a legitimate art form, akin to opera," Slatkin stated during the festival's opening night. His insights were echoed by Dr. Sarah Johnson, a Professor of Musicology at UCLA, who emphasized the importance of the Hollywood String Quartet in bridging the gap between classical and popular music genres.

The New Hollywood String Quartet’s festival features a diverse repertoire, including pieces that honor the original quartet's discography. Their programming aims to revive lesser-known works, such as Borodin’s Second String Quartet, which reflects the ensemble’s commitment to exploring the broader spectrum of string quartet literature. Robert Brophy, a violist for the New Hollywood String Quartet and noted for his extensive work in film soundtracks, shared, "We hope to introduce audiences to the rich musical history that exists beyond the mainstream."

The festival also involves performances by distinguished guest artists, including Jean-Yves Thibaudet, a French pianist known for his robust interpretations of classical works. Thibaudet’s collaboration with the New Hollywood String Quartet in performing César Franck’s Piano Quintet exemplifies the festival's goal of showcasing both historical and contemporary interpretations of classical music. Slatkin noted that while the original recordings were not commercially successful, they played a crucial role in shaping the musical landscape of the time.

As the festival continues through July 15, attendees can witness a blend of nostalgia and innovation as the New Hollywood String Quartet pays homage to its predecessors while pushing the boundaries of string quartet performances. This celebration is not just a remembrance of the past but a dynamic exploration of how the legacy of the Hollywood String Quartet continues to influence musicians today.

The intersection of Hollywood and classical music is a narrative that has evolved over the decades, and events like this festival underline the importance of recognizing and preserving such cultural histories. As Leonard Slatkin prepares for his upcoming concert at the Hollywood Bowl, where he will conduct a program featuring works by contemporary composers, he reflects on the enduring impact of his parents' contributions to both classical music and film.