Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich composed 15 extraordinary string quartets that span his career, forming a musical autobiography of his life. In celebration of Da Camera's 25th anniversary season, the company embarks on the complete cycle of these works, which is a historic first for Houston.

The world-renowned Jerusalem String Quartet, one of the most acclaimed ensembles of its generation, makes its Da Camera debut. The quartet was recently awarded the prestigious 2012 BBC Music Magazine Award for its recording of Mozart's string quartets. Monday's concert features the first three quartets and Tuesday's concert features quartets four through six. The Shostakovich quartet cycle will be completed in three concerts in the 2013-14 season.