Ulysses Quartet, photo by Lara St. John
Americana: Exploring the Depths of American Music
Experience the rich talent of American composers in this program by the Ulysses Quartet and guitarist Ben Verdery. Included are compositions by two of the performers—Ben Verdery and violinist Christina Bouey—as well as titans of contemporary music history, such as Leonard Bernstein and Jimi Hendrix. From the contemplative to the raucous, this musical collection celebrates the diversity of styles and voices that makes up our musical heritage.
About the Ulysses Quartet
Founded in 2015, the Ulysses Quartet believes in the power of music to inspire, enlighten, and bring people together, and aims to highlight BIPOC and female composers. Its interactive programs help demystify traditional classical music and introduce listeners to the inner workings of a string quartet while exploring the connections between classical music and our world today. The group’s name “Ulysses” reflects Homer’s hero Odysseus and his arduous homeward voyage, and underscores the quartet’s constant pursuit of artistic and personal ideals.
Christina Bouey, violin
Rhiannon Banerdt, violín
Peter Dudek, viola
Grace Ho, cello
Ben Verdery, photo by John Olson
About Ben Verdery
Called an ‘iconoclastic player’ by The New York Times, guitarist Ben Verdery has performed at renowned venues and festivals. Boasting a repertoire spanning solo Bach to Jimi Hendrix, he has released more than 30 curated videos and 18 recordings of original and arranged material. Verdery has composed extensively for classical and non-classical guitar with performance by the Assad Duo, Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, and guitarists David Russell, Scott Tennant, and John Williams.
Program
Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)/arr. Ben Verdery
Clarinet Sonata
Grazioso
Andantino - Vivace Leggiero
Caroline Shaw (b. 1982)
Plan and Elevation
The Ellipse
The Cutting Garden
The Herbaceous Border
The Orangery
The Beech Tree
Christina Bouey (b. 1988)
Soul
Joan Tower (b. 1938)
Wild Summer
-intermission-
Ben Verdery (b.1955)
Capitola, CA (1990)
Keanea, HI (1990)
Chicago, IL (1988)
Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970)/arr. Ben Verdery
Purple Haze
Bryce Dessner (b. 1976)
Quintet for High Strings
Program subject to change.