An inventive string quartet that is setting the standard for new music engagement, Ethel comes to the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College at 7:30 p.m. on Friday May 2.

Acclaimed as "indefatigable and eclectic" (The New York Times), Ethel invigorates the contemporary music scene with exuberance, intensity, imaginative programming and exceptional artistry.

Founded in 1998 and based in New York City, Ethel is comprised of Ralph Farris (viola), Dorothy Lawson (cello), Kip Jones (violin) and Tema Watstein (violin). At the Community Concert Hall, the quartet will perform a program entitled "Grace," the centerpiece of which is the group's adaptation of Ennio Morricone's score to the 1986 film, The Mission, which addresses cross-cultural complexities against the backdrop of the jungles of South America.

"Grace" provides effortless beauty and charm, goodwill, a favor and a reprieve.

As noted in the New York Times, "ETHEL.plays their repertoire vigorously and cultivates a persona closer to (that) of a rock band than of a conventional string quartet."

View a sampling of ETHEL performances at http://www.ethelcentral.org/media/videos.

Tickets for ETHEL are $23 and $29 and are available on-line at www.durangoconcerts.com, or call 247-7657, or visit the Ticket Office inside the Durango Welcome Center at 8th St. and Main Ave., Downtown Durango.