Chamber Music Pittsburgh (CMP) kicks off its 2024–25 MainStage Live season with a collaboration between the Escher Quartet and violist Jordan Bak. Embodying the range of artistic voices that have shaped chamber music, this autumn concert pairs 20th-century works by American composers Florence Price (Quartet No. 2 in A minor) and Samuel Barber (Quartet in B minor, Op 11), including his haunting Adagio for Strings, with a beloved string quintet by Johannes Brahms (String Quintet in G Major, Op. 111). The concert occurs on Monday, October 21, at 7:30 p.m. at the PNC Theatre at Point Park University.
“We are excited to open the MainStage Live season with the Escher Quartet and Jordan Bak celebrating the rich, diverse legacy of chamber composers,” says Martha Bonta, CMP’s Executive and Artistic Director. “Florence Price, one of the composers featured on this program, is finally taking her rightful place as an icon of American history. She was the first African-American woman to be nationally recognized as a composer, when her music was played by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1933. I’m so happy her works are being rediscovered and carried forth by today’s talented artists, and we’re thrilled that the Escher Quartet have included one of her two string quartets on our program.”
Award-winning Jamaican-American violist Jordan Bak has achieved international acclaim as a trailblazing artist, praised for his radiant stage presence, dynamic interpretations, and fearless power. “The Brahms quintet is such a complex masterpiece […] particularly,” Bak says. Playing with “haunting lyrical grace” (Gramophone), Bak has performed as a soloist with leading orchestras and toured internationally. Bak is “an exciting new voice in Classical performance” (I Care If You Listen), championing new music by composers shaping the field.
Named for Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher’s method of interplay between individual components working together as a whole, the Escher Quartet is lauded for its “beautiful blend of individuality and accord” (BBC Music Magazine). The Quartet has built a reputation for profound musical insight and rare tonal beauty over nearly two decades of performing together. Beyond serving as season artists of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Quartet tours many of the great music halls of America and Europe.
The Escher Quartet features Adam Barnett-Hart on violin, Brendan Speltz on violin, Pierre LaPointe on viola, and Brook Speltz on cello.
Program
- Samuel Barber Quartet in B minor, Op 11
- Florence Price Quartet No. 2 in A minor
- Johannes Brahms String Quintet in G Major, Op. 111
TICKETS AND DETAILS
The concert occurs on Monday, October 21, at 7:30 p.m. at the PNC Theatre at Point Park University. Single tickets range from $35–55 (student tickets are $15) and can be purchased online. MainStage Live season subscriptions range from $140–$220 and can be purchased online as well.
Categories: Arts and Ideas, Show Previews
Leave a Reply Cancel reply