May 8, 2008
American String Project performs May 14-18
The American String Project will bring 15 world-class string musicians to Seattle to perform May 14-18 as a unique ensemble — a conductorless string orchestra.
Artistic directors Maria Larionoff, concertmaster of Seattle Symphony; and Barry Lieberman, double bassist and UW artist in residence, created The American String Project in 2001. Since then it has become a highly anticipated musical event in Seattle each spring.
The American String Project’s 2008 concert series includes three performances in the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall — at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14 and Friday, May 16; and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 18.
The concert programs include Mendelssohn’s String Symphony No. 9 in C major, Janacek’s Idylla for Strings, and arrangements by Lieberman of Brahms’ String Quartet No. 2 in A minor, Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 4 in D major, Haydn’s String Quartet in F minor, Op. 20, No. 5 and Dvorak’s String Quartet No. 9 in D minor.
Each piece is led by a different violinist from the project, including Jorja Fleezanis, concertmaster of the Minnesota Orchestra; Stephanie Chase, violin soloist; Larionoff; Elisa Barston, Seattle Symphony principal second; Carol Sindell of Portland State University; and Carmit Zori, artistic director of the Brooklyn Chamber Music Society. The Sunday, May 18, concert is a “Musically Speaking” performance, with commentary by author and musicologist Michael Steinberg.
Tickets are $25 and $35 for general seating, $20 for seniors and $10 for students. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 206-292-ARTS, or at the Benaroya Hall box office (cash or check only).
To learn more about The American String Project, visit online at www.theamericanstringproject.org.
