Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

February 21, 2008 issue

Cypress String Quartet To Present Multimedia Concert February 26

Story by Anna Oakes

These aren’t your typical chamber musicians. The Cypress String Quartet, performing at Farthing Auditorium on Tuesday, February 26, energetically brings chamber music into the 21st century with its groundbreaking, multimedia program titled Inspired by America. The concert takes place at 8:00 p.m.

Based in San Francisco, the quartet features Cecily War and Tom Stone on violin, Ethan Filner on viola and Jennifer Kloetzel on cello. Chamber Music Magazine called them the “generation X ensemble to watch.”

Formed in 1996, the group has commissioned and premiered more than 25 works by America’s leading composers and has performed at major concert venues around the world, including the Kennedy Center, Library of Congress, Krannert Center and the Ravinia Festival. Four original Cypress Quartet commissions are listed on Chamber Music America’s list of 101 Great American Ensemble Works.

“The performance of Inspired by America blends live music, original film and spoken word in an evocative, thought-provoking portrait of the American spirit,” a press release said.

The 90-minute program is based on the book The American Soul by Jacob Needleman. Film producer Michael Schwarz produced the original film segments that feature commentary from Needleman set against a backdrop of American art, photographs, landscapes, film clips and other images.

The final piece of the multimedia puzzle comes from the quartet, who perform movements from pieces such as Barber’s Adagio for Strings, Dvorak’s American Quartet, Griffes’ Two Sketches on Native American Themes and Ives’ String Quartet #1, as well as selections from recent Cypress original commissions.

Advance tickets are$10. Ticket prices increase at the door on the night of the performance. For tickets or information, call the Farthing Auditorium Box Office at 828-262-4046 or click to www.pas.appstate.edu.

 

Want To Go?

Date: Tuesday, February 26
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Farthing Auditorium
Cost: $10