Vienna, 1906 – 1991, San Francisco
Khuner joined what was then the Neue Wiener Streichquartett as second violin in 1927 just as it transitioned into the Kolisch Quartet. Initially, he was reluctant to join the ensemble, but agreed after being told that Schönberg himself would be in charge of rehearsals. Khuner was not just remarkable for his musical skills and extraordinary memory, but also for his ability to manage the concert dates and business affairs of the quartet. The quartet was famous for its performances of works by Schönberg’s circle, including Alban Berg and Anton Webern. It left Europe in 1938 after Austria’s annexation by Nazi Germany. Khuner joined the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra where he remained a member for some 41 years.
