Kronos Quartet pays tribute to the incomparable voice of Mahalia Jackson, celebrating her enduring legacy and pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. Bringing their latest Glorious Mahalia release on Smithsonian Folkways to the Southbank Centre, 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 8th volume in Folkways' Music of Central Asia Series, showcases the quartet in collaboration with Alim and Fargana Qasimov and Homayun 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 (2026), Kronos Quartet pays tribute to the inimitable voice of singer Mahalia Jackson, honoring her role in the Civil Rights Movement.

David Harrington, violin

Gabriela Díaz, violin

Ayane Kozasa, viola

Paul Wiancko, cello