On Jan. 31, all spotlights will be shining on the Cavani String Quartet as they take the stage at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church. The quartet has traveled far and wide since their beginning in 1984, but ETSU faculty member Esther Park looks forward to not only seeing their performance but being a part of it.
“I am super excited [to collaborate with them,]” Park said. “I grew up knowing about this string quartet, so it is kind of like a dream-come-true moment for me. They are very well respected, and all the players are well-known pedagogue and performers of their time.”
The concert will feature both modern and older pieces. It will begin with a Beethoven string quartet piece in celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birth anniversary in 2020. Then Caroline Shaw’s “Blueprint” will be played, which was inspired by Beethoven.
“[Beethoven’s] kind of the linking theme,” Cavani String Quartet member Kyle Price said. “Then we will close the concert playing with Esther Park. We are playing the Schumann quintet, which is glorious, a really exciting piece.”
Price is the newest member of the quartet, joining as a cellist in May 2019. Before joining, he studied under the original cellist of the Quartet Merry Peckham. He describes the playing with the Cavani String Quartet as remarkable and unifying.
“I would say that one of the things I love about playing in the Cavani Quartet is, first of all, the passion for the artistry, and they really bridge the gap between performer and audience member,” Price said. “This is some of the greatest masterpieces ever written. Being able to bring that to life and bring emotional qualities to it … and say something to the audience makes Cavani really special.”
This will be the groups first visit to Johnson City. During their time here, they will also be teaching a master class to ETSU students, which Price described as an important part of their values.
“Generally education is a big part of what we are passionate about, and it is a huge part of the legacy of the Cavani Quartet,” Price said. “When we go to university or really any city, we love to work with the students and be able to, first of all, experience their great artistry, and also be able to collaborate with them, come up with ideas, and explore the art of chamber music and what makes chamber music so special.”
Park encouraged the community to check out the performance, considering that this kind of music is not always accessible.
“You will hear a lot of band music, choral music, because that is what ETSU offers a lot, but string chamber music is something that I would say is quite rare,” Park said. “Take every opportunity of string quartets coming in town. They will most likely be top, world-class level, as well as the music is different and something that we have not heard.”
The show will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online through the ETSU Department of Music or at the venue. Students are admitted free with an ID. General admission is $15 or $10 for seniors.
