Though it sometimes feels as if Spring Term might never end. Lawrence is already thinking forward to next year. They recently released the schedule for the 2011-2012 Artist Series and I have to say I’m rather impressed with the line-up.
Oct. 14, 2011 — Turtle Island Quartet
When someone says the words “chamber” and “music” in the same sentence most people cringe at the thought of slow, quiet music played by a few older musicians that seem totally uninterested in what they’re doing. Turtle Island Quartet takes that stereotype and turns it on its head. Their music has been described as “the future of classical music” by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and by Yo-Yo Ma as “a reflection of some of the most creative music-making today.” Their lively blend of contemporary American sounds and the traditional quartet aesthetic will make for a great introduction to the acts to follow.
Oct. 21, 2011 – Richard Goode
Noted by The New York Times for his “fastidious musicianship” and “infallible fingers,” pianist Richard Goode has made a sizeable but quiet name for himself in the classical music world. His performances and recordings of Beethoven’s sonatas and concertos are especially well respected for their artful blend of heroism and poetic intimacy. Goode’s nuanced playing and deep insight into his selections will undoubtedly be a wonder to experience in Memorial Chapel.
March 10, 2012 – So Percussion
Though their name may sound slightly corny, So Percussion’s music is anything but. All graduates of Yale University, the world-renowned percussion ensemble has worked with the likes of Steve Reich and Arvo Pärt and has more recently begun creating original compositions. They’ve become infamous for their use of quirky instruments such as bowed marimba, aluminum pipes and even the amplified cactus. Their fresh, youthful, modern music will be something distinctly new to Lawrence’s campus.
April 13, 2012 – Chanticleer
Likely the best-known of the coming year’s performers, Chanticleer is considered by many to be the world’s premier male vocal ensemble. The group’s sizeable following in the classical musical world is largely the result of their masterful interpretations of early music. However, as they have matured as an ensemble, their repertory has expanded to include contemporary music of all kinds. The purity and elegance of their singing is largely unmatched; the inclusion of a number of countertenors gives them a breadth of timbres and registers, making them an “orchestra of voices.”