The cultural program of visiting heads of state is usually more obligation that fun. Not so for Hilary Rodham Clinton, then First-Lady of the U.S., when she was visiting Vienna to attend an international conference aimed at promoting the role of women in the emerging democracies of Central and Eastern Europe. From the rich program that the culture city Vienna has to offers she personally chose a concert of the Kronos Quartet produced by Fritz Thom in the Vienna State Opera.

A broad range of styles
The Kronos Quartet has attracted a global following for its daring and diversity since the string quartet was founded by violinist David Harrington in 1973. The formation covers a broad range of styles: Folk music from around the world, pre-classical music, film scores and even an adaptation of Jimi Hendrix´s “Purple Haze”. The have also performed new works from composers ranging from Philip Glass to Steve Reich to Osvaldo Golijov.

Kronos Quartet has succeeded in introducing pieces of pop music to the acceptance of audiences dedicated to classical music. This achievement was possible only on the highest quality level. The list of people and groups they have performed with over the years is equally varied: Tom Waits, David Bowie, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Astor Piazolla, Joan Armtrading, Björk, Pat Metheny and the Romanian Gypsy band Taraf de Haidouks. Founder David Harrington has been quoted as saying that he always wanted the Kronos Quartet to "be vital, energetic, alive… and expressive of life. And to tell the whole story, if possible."

Unforgettable musical experiences in special places
Bringing such a special formation as the Kronos Quartet, who are permanently and delicately crossing the borders of music genres, to the stage of the Vienna State Opera is an excellent example for the work of Fritz Thom in creating unforgettable musical experiences in special places. While the secret service were busy backstage in securing the First Lady, Hilary Rodham Clinton definitely enjoyed the concert and the encounter with the musicians.