Celebrated String Quartet Stages “Character Study”
SAINT JOHN, N.B., Jan 21 2025 – Symphony New Brunswick continues its 24/25 Virtuoso Series this week with "Character Study", featuring the acclaimed Saint John String Quartet in a program that explores the music of three pioneering composers.
"Our goal with this program is to banish the winter blues", asserts Dani Sametz, Symphony NB concertmaster and 1st violin with the quartet. "We're offering an eclectic blend of the modern and the classical, with lively music by ragtime legend William Bolcom, Quebec-based melodist Ana Sokolović, and Romantic master Johannes Brahms. These captivating pieces are just the ticket to defuse the latest weather bomb".
"The chamber music tradition is rife with intriguing personalities", adds Reid Parker, President of Symphony NB. "This program allows the quartet to take a deep dive into the musical psyche of three of them, showcasing works that reveal the innermost forces that shaped their musical thinking and styles. From jaunty ragtime to the pinnacle of romanticism, audiences will be treated to the very best in settings that create an ambience that is up close and personal."
Program
W Bolcom – Three Rags for String Quartet
A Sokolovic – Two Miniatures
J Brahms – String Quartet Op.51 No.2
Schedule
Thursday, January 23 @ 7:30pm (Fredericton)
Recital Room, Margaret McCain Hall - St. Thomas University
Saturday, January 25 @ 7:30pm (Moncton)
Central United Church, 150 Queen Street
Sunday, January 26 @ 2:00pm (Saint John)
Port Saint John Gallery, Saint John Arts Centre
Admission
Regular: $30
Student: $20
(Under 12: No charge)
Tickets available at the door or via e-mail (symphony@nbnet.nb.ca)
About the Saint John String Quartet
Praised for its "musical energy and ensemble strength", the award-winning Saint John String Quartet has served as an anchor for Symphony New Brunswick for over 30 years. Renowned for its flexibility, SJSQ has a history of collaborating with guests from all musical genres, from classical to blues to rock and roll.
Well-travelled, SJSQ has toured through Europe, the Far East, and South America. With many recordings to its credit, SJSQ has earned a Juno nomination and has won an East Coast Music Award and a Music NB Award. Its rendition of The Tragically Hip's "Ahead by a Century" in Jeff's Musical Car [@jeffsmusicalcar) has over 40,000 views on Instagram.
The Quartet comprises violinists Dani Sametz and Nadia Francavilla, violist Robin Streb, and cellist Chris Yoon.
About Symphony New Brunswick
Symphony NB operates the province's only full-scale, full-season professional orchestra. It works in tandem with several affiliated smaller ensembles, including the Saint John String Quartet, the wind quintet Ventus Machina, and Résonance New Music. Through top-notch performances, educational programs, and community partnerships, Symphony NB promotes the awareness and appreciation of symphonic music in an increasingly diverse New Brunswick.
Media Contact:
Adam Masson
Marketing & Community Relations Manager
Symphony New Brunswick Inc.
506.634.8383
adam.masson@symphonynb.ca