ECSQ returns to the stage this week with upcoming performances in Saint John, Moncton, and Fredericton.
The Elm City String Quartet continues their first full season off programming with another batch of concerts in Fredericton, Saint John, and Moncton. The Fredericton-based quartet officially formed in 2019 and are finally enjoying the opportunity to regularly perform chamber music for the New Brunswick community.
These upcoming concerts will feature two pieces by Johannes Brahms and Benjamin Britten. The Brahms quartet is a passionate and immersive piece of music based on a favourite phrase of Brahm’s friend, Joseph Joachim: “Free, but lonely.” The piece by Benjamin Britten is equally expansive with moments of kaleidoscopic abstraction.
“We were really excited to have a whole season of concerts,” said violist Mark Kleyn. “For programming this season, we just made a long list of our ‘bucket list’ pieces. We really wanted a Brahms quartet because they’re so beautiful, and Emily [Kennedy] easily convinced all of us to put the Britten on the list. It’s one of her favourite pieces.”
The members of the Elm City String Quartet live in Fredericton, but hail from different parts of the world. Emily, the cellist is from Hampton, NB. Mark, the violist is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Victor and Mercedes, who both play violin, are from Venezuela. The quartet members met while playing in other ensembles in the province and instantly recognized a strong musical connection.
Upcoming Performances:
November 23, 7:30 – Saint John Arts Centre, Saint John, NB
November 25, 7:30 – Wilmot United Church, Fredericton NB
November 27, 2:00 – Empress Theatre, Moncton NB
The quartet has three more programs lined up for the season. A December concert, Quartet by Candlelight will feature holiday classics in a cozy atmosphere. In February, the quartet will perform works by Mozart, Barber, & Imogen Holst. The quartet will finish the season by collaborating with pianist Carl Philippe Gionet in April.
Tickets are available online and at the door.
For more information, visit https://elmcitystringquartet.com/tickets
