We fell for our recent commission from Samuel Adams…hard. It’s energizing and hypnotic and unexpected, and this February, we’re going to perform a movement for you and bring Sam up on stage with us to unearth what makes this phenomenal music sizzle.
Current is the result of a friendship that deepened during Sam’s tenure as composer-in-residence for our hometown band, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Perhaps the most unusual element of It is that it employs snare drums, but not in the way you might expect.
This particular episode of Once More, With Feeling! is poised to be as eye-opening for us as it is for you. To whet your proverbial whistle, here’s what Sam did divulge to us when delivering the score:
“The result is a virtuosic display of four individuals performing with artificial, indifferent musical elements. Together a complex polyphonic organism emerges; the voices from the string quartet are rarely placed in a hierarchy in relation to one another or in relation to the snare drums.”
We will tell you, it’s even more breathtaking than it sounds…
Once More, With Feeling! offers a rare second listen – on the same night – to an unfamiliar work, giving concertgoers the chance to deepen their appreciation and enjoyment of the music. On-stage conversation with the composer illuminates the subtleties of and inspirations for the music, and audience members are able to ask questions in the moment – making any worries or preconceptions about “not getting it” disappear.
PROGRAM
Excerpts from String Quartet No. 2, “Current” (2019) – Samuel Adams
VENUE COVID GUIDELINES
Due to the recent increase in variant COVID cases, we are now requiring that all staff, performers, and audience members present proof of vaccination upon entry to a show. We ask that you bring your vaccine card or a photo of it and show it to the door person before coming in.
If you decide not to attend an upcoming show due to this policy change, we are happy to refund your ticket. Please email constellation.arts@gmail.com to request a refund.
Spektral Quartet’s programming is supported by our members, our donors, and by the following foundations and organizations:
