In harmony like the great string quartet they are, Joel Smirnoff, Ronald Copes, Samuel Rhodes and Joel Krosnick each listened carefully to whichever one of then was taking the lead in explaining their missions as educators and performers -- and their love of music.
Currently on their umpteenth Japan tour, the Juilliard String Quartet last week made what is now becoming a regular annual appearance at the Miyazaki International Music Festival, prior to their Yokohama and Tokyo dates scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.
For the four Americans, who made time to speak with The Japan Times last week, life as members of the JSQ is like wearing two hats. "But it's important that we wear them both," said cellist Krosnick, 62.