A commission by Harris Miller and Deborah Kahn, both active figures in the politics and arts of Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., led to Leshnoff's 3rd String Quartet. The 20 minute work builds throughout, from the first movement "Grave," through the second movement "Romance," and culminating with the driving, joyous "Allegro with Spirit." String Quartet No. 3 has also been arranged for String Orchestra (available on a rental basis).