PUBLIQuartet will perform contemporary classical program, teach free studio class in Madison on Nov. 22
Posted: 11/14/24
Grammy-nominated string quartet PUBLIQuartet will perform its latest program “Rhythm Nation” on Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Union as part of the Wisconsin Union Theater (WUT) Classical Series, preceded by a free, open-to-the-public studio class on Nov. 22 at 3 p.m.
PUBLIQuartet describes the program as featuring works that draw inspiration from a wide range of American rhythmic traditions as expressions of bodily autonomy and tacit history keeping.
“Rhythm Nation” will include: “Voodoo Dolls” by Jessie Montgomery, the brand-new “Blues for Buddy” by Jeff Scott, “At the Purchaser's Option” by Rhiannon Giddens, excerpts from “Hip-Hop Studies and Etudes, Book I” by Daniel Bernard Roumain, “Break Away” by Jessie Montgomery, the brand-new “Cachumbandeando En Clave” by Eddie Venegas, the brand-new “Baobab” by Jlin, Prelude for Piano arranged by Hamilton Berry and composed by Julia Perry, “Come Sunday” from “Black, Brown, and Beige” by Duke Ellington, and “Dig the Say” for string quartet by Vijay Iyer.
The group strives to explore new works and compositions by composers from marginalized identity groups, centers improvisation and reinterpretation, and invites audiences into music by connecting to personal experience. Since its founding in 2010, PUBLIQuartet has challenged the traditional boundaries of chamber music while also working to celebrate the diverse and rhythmic foundations of American music.
“PUBLIQuartet exemplifies contemporary classical music with its commitment to technical excellence while embracing multi-genre influences and the curation of contemporary programs,” WUT Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said. “PUBLIQuartet isn’t afraid to push at the boundaries of chamber music. It is, in many ways, returning to the roots of classical music, which has, from the start included improvisation and cross-genre influences.”
Patrons can purchase tickets to the PUBLIQuartet performance and other WUT events online, in person at the Memorial Union Box Office, or by phone at (608) 265-2787. Seating for the free Nov. 22 studio class is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Each WUT season is presented by WUT in collaboration with the student-led Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee. The 2024-2025 season of what’s next now continues WUT’s decades-long history of bringing internationally known artists and artists on the rise to Madison.
For more information about the Nov. 22 PUBLIQuartet studio class and performance, visit union.wisc.edu/events-and-activities/event-calendar/event/theater-publiquartet.