Ken Benshoof was born near Newman Grove, Nebraska, on January 3, 1933. The first performance of the Cello Quartet took place at the Silver Center for the Arts, Plymouth State University, Plymouth, New Hampshire, in 1993.

American composer and pianist Ken Benshoof was born on a farm near Newman Grove, Nebraska. Benshoof studied at the University of Washington, San Francisco State University, and as a Fulbright Scholar, at London’s Guildhall School of Music. From 1963-1992 Ken Benshoof was an instructor/professor at the University of Washington in Seattle. In 1992, that institution appointed Ken Benshoof professor emeritus.

Benshoof’s works are distinguished by their affecting lyricism, remarkable breadth of moods and colors, and ingenious synthesis of classical and folk elements. The principal focus of Benshoof’s music is chamber repertoire. Among Benshoof’s many commissions are eight by the Kronos Quartet. Ken Benshoof was also resident composer for both San Diego’s Old Globe Theater, and Seattle Repertory Theater. 

Ken Benshoof’s Cello Quartet (1983-1993) is a revision of an earlier piece by the composer. The premiere took place in 1993 at the Silver Center for the Arts in Plymouth, New Hampshire, as part of the New Hampshire Music Festival. The performing ensemble included Walter Gray, a founding member of the Kronos Quartet, and member of the Seattle Symphony.