Événement

Concert 2 - Cypress Signature Series

The San Francisco-based Cypress String Quartet performs for the first time in New York in three intimate concerts at the Tenri Cultural Institute. The Plain Dealer of Cleveland recently praised the Cypress, saying "In the forest of Beethoven recordings, the Cypress String Quartet's are some of the mightiest trees."

The Quartet brings music that exemplifies its artistic mission to New York -- pieces from the core repertoire for string quartet (by Beethoven, Dvorak, and Debussy), music overlooked by history (by Griffes, Stravinsky, and Schulhoff) and new pieces commissioned by the ensemble (by Pulitzer Prize-winner Jennifer Higdon, George Tsontakis, and Elena Ruehr).

Program:
Igor Stravinksy: Concertino for String Quartet
Elena Ruehr: String Quartet No. 3 (NYC Premiere)
Charles Tomlinson Griffes: Two Sketches based on Native American Themes
Antonin Dvorak: String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96 'American'

This program is a celebration of composers who lived in America beginning with Dvorak and continuing to Elena Ruehr who is one of the rising stars among American composers. In its review of the Cypress's recording of Elena's Quartet, Gramophone remarked that there is "a profound respect for conventional harmony" which "reaches deep into the psyche. For some people it will reach deep into their heart." The review goes on to say, "The slow movement is unspeakably gorgeous." Strad Magazine said about the same recording that, "it's full of rhythm, life and color, immediately accessible to the listener." This program will also include stunning and rarely heard works by Stravinsky and Griffes.

The Cypress formed in 1996 and currently performs over 90 concerts each year. In addition to its busy touring schedule, the Cypress is releasing a series of recordings of Beethoven's Late Quartets. Volume 1 was released in 2009, and Gramophone praised the disc as "revealing artistry of uncommon insight and cohesion." Volume 2 was released in August 2010 and Volume 3 will follow in 2011.

Seating is limited to 80 audience members and all are invited to stay for a wine and chocolate reception after each performance to meet and greet the Cypress String Quartet and the guest composers.

To purchase the three concert series, visit:
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/123679