The four leading string players of one of America’s leading orchestras perform at Hodgson Concert Hall on Feb. 16 at 3 p.m. It is the New York Philharmonic String Quartet’s first Athens appearance since the conclusion of the 2018-2019 UGA Presents season.
This time, their program begins with Haydn’s String Quartet in G, Op. 77, No.1. “It is a mature work, at the apogee of the classical style and reflecting Haydn at full mastery,” said UGA Presents Program Annotator Laurie Shulman. “Yet all the endearing hallmarks of the younger Haydn are there, especially his wry sense of humor, and the essential simplicity that informs his most complex musical structures with their inherent integrity and grace.”
They conclude with Dvořák’s String Quartet No. 11 in C Major. “Few would deny that Dvořák’s inexhaustible melodic gift and secure technique served him more than adequately in the C major quartet,” Shulman said. “Dvořák was an accomplished violinist and violist whose intimate knowledge of string instruments lent unity and persuasive power to all his chamber music for strings. This one is no exception and pleases by its very freshness to our ears.”
The group is also bringing a brief piece by Black Atlanta composer Joel Thompson. “In Response to the Madness” (2019) is the composer’s way of working through the blizzard of news headlines that batters everyone.
The New York Philharmonic String Quartet includes four principal musicians from the orchestra: Concertmaster Frank Huang (The Charles E. Culpeper Chair), Principal Second Violin Group Qianqian Li, Principal Viola Cynthia Phelps (The Mr. and Mrs. Frederick P. Rose Chair), and Principal Cello Carter Brey (The Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Chair). The group was formed in January 2017, during the Philharmonic’s 175th anniversary season.
Join audiences for a free pre-performance talk by Theresa Chafin in Ramsey Concert Hall from 2:15-2:45 p.m.
This performance is supported by Gregory and Jennifer Holcomb.
Three ways to get tickets
- Purchase tickets online at pac.uga.edu.
- Call the Performing Arts Center box office at 706-542-4400, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Visit the UGA Performing Arts Center box office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (five-minute parking is available in the drop off circle at the Performing Arts Center for purchasing or picking up tickets.)
Audience members can create their own series of three or more performances for 10% off. UGA Presents single tickets start at just $25 with promo code PAC25, and UGA student tickets are $10. Parking is free.
To learn more about all UGA Performing Arts Center events, visit pac.uga.edu.
