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I Had To Do It My Way: An Interview with Shulamit Ran

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One of the most gratifying things about playing a piece by Shulamit Ran is getting to interact with this exemplary composer. On December 12th, we are fortunate to be joined by Shulamit on stage at Constellation for Once More, With Feeling! This series exists to deepen your appreciation and enjoyment of an unfamiliar work through on-stage interviews with the composer and by playing the piece in question at both the beginning and end of the show.

Shulamit leads an extraordinary life, and is a wonderful storyteller. We sat down for a conversation at her home recently to talk about her epic second string quartet, the elusive process of creativity, and what parts of herself find their way into her writing.

We hope you enjoy this longer-form interview, and look forward to seeing you on Thursday!

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Behind the Scenes: Miguel Zenón

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Behind the Scenes: Miguel Zenón

We have a brand-new record with saxophonist Miguel Zenón – Yo Soy La Tradición – dropping on September 21st, but this album release show is actually a benefit for the Puerto Rican victims of Hurricane Maria... a chance to celebrate new music and help out our fellow citizens!

With the date fast approaching, memories of our rehearsals and recording session have resurfaced. We'll delve into Miguel's experience with the fallout from the hurricane – which hit just days before we started working together – but today we'd like to share the rehearsal photos taken by our friend and supporter, Bob Watson.

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Reconditioning the String Quartet: An Interview with Wadada Leo Smith

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Reconditioning the String Quartet: An Interview with Wadada Leo Smith

There are certain artists with whom you dream of coming into orbit, and Wadada Leo Smith is finally in our galaxy. Clara and I went to see his trio play Constellation a while back, when the Cubs were winning at sportsball or whatever – so it was a small house – and both of us were struck by the patience and nuance with which he infused his performance. Every note felt purposeful and considered, and more importantly, honest.

The Way We Were...

The Way We Were...

I suppose returning to Eliza Brown’s String Quartet No. 1 is getting me all nostalgic. 

Remember that, at the time we first performed this piece, less than a year had elapsed since we were just a weirdo bro-down that bought sixers of beer and sightread quartets. We titled the concert Break Right Through That Line as a nod to our (well, 3 out of 4 of us, anyway) alma mater’s fight song, and we even had a cake made with the concert poster edibly printed on the fondant.

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