The two-time Grammy nominated Spektral Quartet actively pursues a vivid conversation between exhilarating works of the traditional repertoire and those written this decade, this year, or this week. Since its 2010 inception, the Spektral Quartet has created seamless connections across centuries, drawing in the listener with charismatic deliveries and bold, inquisitive programming. Named Chicagoans of the Year by the Chicago Tribune in 2017, Spektral is highly regarded for its creative and stylistic versatility. The Spektral Quartet is comprised of Clara Lyon and Maeve Feinberg, violin; Doyle Armbrust, viola; and Russell Rolen, cello.

Spektral Quartet performs “captivating” (New York Times) composer Tonia Ko’s work Plain, Air for string quartet and electronics, presented in dialogue with Still: Elemental, an exploration of Clyfford Still’s work in relation to the Classical Greek elements of the universe: earth, water, air, fire, and aether.

Join us for a program as exciting and eclectic as the record collection of Clyfford Still that inspires it. Experience live performances surrounded by Still’s vibrant paintings and award-winning architecture. A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Performances at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. 

Free with Museum admission
No registration required
Seating is limited and on a first come, first served basis

Commissioned by Chamber Music America for Spektral Quartet, with support from the Openlands organization, Ko composed Plain, Air in 2018.  Newly tailored expressly for the CSM’s galleries, Plain, Air’s beautifully constructed ecosystem will encounter the awe-inducing phenomena of Clyfford Still’s canvases. Visceral, sublime, and seemingly boundless, Still’s work inspires the viewer to experience intensely, to internalize, and to revel in a flow state of imagination. Plain, Air plays in the space between these canvases like a cool breath of wind, encouraging the listener to trace echoes and highlight the kindred affinities shared by these two artists, whose work is so deeply rooted in humankind’s relationship to nature.

These events are brought to you in partnership with our friends at Swallow Hill Music and Friends of Chamber Music.

PROGRAM
Plain, Air (2018) Tonia Ko