with Stefon Harris, vibraphone
“The Divine Duke”Visit Turtle Island String Quartet on the WebVisit Stefon Harris on the Web “A standard beyond the reach of its few contemporaries... In the multifarious idiom they have all but invented, Turtle Island remains the ne plus ultra.” —Los Angeles Times
“Harris’ scope, and the craft he demonstrates in the process of utilizing the breadth of that scope, is remarkable. 4 Stars.” —Downbeat
Camp Concert Hall, Booker Hall of Music
The Grammy Award-winning Turtle Island Quartet has been a singular force in the creation of bold, new trends in chamber music for strings, fusing the classical quartet esthetic with contemporary American musical styles, and devising a performance practice that honors both. Turtle Island members refine their skills through unusual and endemic “re-compositions” of works by the old masters through the development of repertory by some of today’s cutting-edge composers. In a bold new collaboration featuring Stefon Harris
(right), the most important and most creative vibraphonist of his generation, Turtle Island delves into the sacred music composed by the legendary Duke Ellington. This visionary music combined jazz with classical and gospel forms and brilliantly foreshadowed the classical crossover genre of today’s musical world.
Tickets: $30 adults, $28 seniors 65+, $15 children 12 and under, $22 UR employees, $8 UR students
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Turtle Island String QuartetPosted: January 29, 2008; 12:23
by: Barbara I've been a fan of Turtle Island String Quartet for years and see them every time they come to Modlin Center -- what a treat. This concert was mesmerizing -- the program had more depth than those in the past, the music perhaps more sophisticated. Stefan Harris added another dimension. What a talented musician -- his virtuosity is enriched both by his passion and playfulness. Thank you Modlin Center for bringing all this talent to Richmond.
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re: Turtle Island String QuartetPosted: January 29, 2008; 13:47
by: Peter A very enjoyable evening. A string quartet can produce a lot of engaging music, but it's not the most dynamic presentation- everyone sitting down in a semi-circle. The addition of Stefon Harris, an athletic and dancerly vibes/marimba master, added a degree of spectacle that made the show all that much more watchable. (Kudos to Kathy Panoff, who suggested Harris to the quartet on a previous tour.)
Opening with "Cool" from West Side Story, the band covered a wide array of music, most having some connection with Duke Ellington- appropriate given the shows "Divine Duke" billing. The thematic highpoint was the medley of three pieces from Ellington's late life "Sacred Works," and the highpoint from those was lovely "Come Sunday," meltingly beautiful and perfectly handled between the swell of strings and dreamlike ringing of the vibes.
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re: Turtle Island String QuartetPosted: January 29, 2008; 15:36
by: Samantha Yes; a great match - TI with Stefan. Good crowd and an appreciative one too. Bring Stefan back with his own quartet. Thanks.
Paul (submitted via e-mail)
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re: Turtle Island String QuartetPosted: January 29, 2008; 20:42
by: suzanne I've seen TI twice before, once with Richard Stoltzman and also with Paquito D' Rivera. Both were excellent concerts, thoroughly enjoyed by all. However, this pairing had an energy and excitement that exceeded the previous by a large margin. In short, Stefon Harris + Turtle Island + creative and excellent combination. Thanks Modlin and Kathy Panoff for making it possible. /Suzanne B.
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re: Turtle Island String QuartetPosted: January 29, 2008; 22:24
by: Margaret I was not familiar with the Turtle Island String Quartet, but bought tickets because of the interesting combination of strings and vibraphone. I was blown out of my seat with the first number. I loved the intensity and the interplay between the strings and Stephan with his own mix of intensity and playfulness. A terrific combination of artists, music and performance. I particularly enjoyed the songs from the Duke's later years. A real tribute to a one of a kind musician. Thanks for exposing us to the best.
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