Musical Arts Series at Southeastern welcomes Clarus String Quartet on November 12

The second concert of the Musical Arts Series at Southeastern Oklahoma State University will feature the Clarus String Quartet at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, in the Student Union Auditorium. Admission is free.

The 52^nd Season of the Musical Arts Series is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, Oklahoma Arts Council, Steger Piano Institute, and the Clark and Wanda Bass Foundation.

Clarus String Quartet consists of violinists Ervin Luka Sešek and Amber Archibald Sešek, violist Omeed Manshouri, and cellist Hasmik Vardanyan. The members of the quartet are currently based in the Houston, Texas, area.

"This quartet is a dynamic group who will certainly entertain the audience with an exciting program," said Dr. Catalin Dima, assistant professor of piano at Southeastern and artistic director for the Musical Arts Series. "We are fortunate to have them play at Southeastern and we invite everyone to come enjoy this show."

Ervin Luka Sešek, a Serbian-born violinist and violist, is acclaimed for his rich tone and expressive performances. He has won numerous awards in international competitions and has performed as a soloist with various orchestras in Europe and the US. A dedicated chamber musician, he has collaborated with renowned artists and participated in several festivals. Sešek has held positions as Concertmaster with various orchestras and has worked with prestigious conductors. He also engages in humanitarian efforts, notably organizing a benefit concert following devastating floods in Serbia.

Dr. Amber Archibald-Sešek is a dynamic violinist known for her engaging performances and diverse career as a soloist, chamber musician, and educator. She has collaborated with orchestras like the Seattle Symphony and the Leipzig Akademische Orchester, and participated in prestigious festivals such as the Grand Tetons Music Festival and the Methow Valley Chamber Music Festival. Since returning to Houston in 2021, she has performed with the Houston Symphony and Houston Grand Opera. In August 2023, she became the Professor of Practice for Viola at the University of Houston. Her teaching experience includes roles at Seattle University and the Los Angeles Philharmonic's YOLA Summer Festival. Together with her husband, violinist Ervin Luka Sešek, she co-founded the Sešek String Studio in Sugar Land, Texas.

Omeed Manshouri, a versatile violist from Houston, has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and collaborated with numerous ensembles throughout Texas and around the nation. He holds a Master's degrees from Mannes College in New York, graduate diploma from the Hartt School of Music in Connecticut, and a bachelor's degree from the Moores School of Music. With a genuine dedication to the craft and a passion for imparting musical knowledge, Manshouri aims to share his artistry with both students and audiences.

Hasmik Vardanyan, an Armenian cellist, has performed globally in major concert halls and won top prizes in several competitions. As a member of the Vardanyan Piano Trio and the Komitas National String Quartet, she has made significant contributions to chamber music. Vardanyan is committed to education, holding a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Houston and currently teaching at Houston Christian University.