Angel’s Share: Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 15, Op. 132

Beethoven's final String Quartet is an indescribably powerful, transcendently life-affirming masterpiece. Its movements are centered around the towering slow section, which Beethoven wrote after recovering from a terrible illness, solemnly titling it a “Hymn of thanks to God from one who is healed.” In times of despair and division, the beauty of this music remains a balm to the soul, and a reminder of how we can find strength in our darkest moments.

The fabulous foursome of the Ulysses Quartet, who last joined us in the Catacombs to perform Schubert's Death and the Maiden, return once more, bringing their glorious musicality to this singular work.

The inscrutable beauty of this timeless work, played by one of today's top ensembles, in the hallowed vaults of the Catacombs... we'll see you there.

Now in its sixth season, the Angel’s Share presents intimate classical classical music concerts, with repertoire ranging from medieval through to contemporary works, specifically chosen to highlight the unique presence and acoustic power of Green-Wood’s Catacombs, and the singular character of the Cemetery grounds. The series is curated and directed by Death of Classical Founder Andrew Ousley, in partnership with the Cemetery. Each Angel’s Share concert features a pre-show spirits tasting, included in the ticket price, and the series takes its name from the distiller’s term for whiskey that evaporates while maturing in the barrel, thus going to the angels. Concerts have been praised in major cultural press throughout the country, with Vogue Magazine describing it as “one of the most riveting and unusual chamber music performances of my lifetime,” and The New York Times saying “In a Cemetery, music lives.”

Ulysses Quartet 

Christina Bouey, violin

Rhiannon Banerdt, violin

Colin Brookes, viola

Grace Ho, cello

The Ulysses Quartet has been praised for their “textural versatility,” “grave beauty” and “the kind of chemistry many quartets long for, but rarely achieve” (The Strad), as well as their “avid enthusiasm ... [with] chops to back up their passion” (San Diego Story), “delivered with a blend of exuberance and polished artistry” (The Buffalo News).

Founded in the summer of 2015, the group won the grand prize and gold medal in the senior string division of the 2016 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and first prize in the 2018 Schoenfeld International String Competition. In 2017, the quartet finished first in the American Prize and won second prize at the Osaka International Chamber Music Competition. They were winners of the Vietnam International Music Competition in 2019. Ulysses garnered a career development grant in the 2016 Banff International String Quartet Competition.

• Where To Go: Check-in begins 15 minutes before your ticketed start time and ONLY takes place at the Gothic Arch near the Main Entrance on Fifth Avenue and 25th Street (500 25th Street). There are no paper or e-tickets! Attendees will be checked in by name. 
• Food and Drinks: We will start with a 45-minute reception at the Modern Chapel to enjoy a whiskey tasting and snacks (all free!), and the beauty of the Cemetery, before the program begins. Tasting is for those 21 years of age or older with proof of ID.
• Early Evening Performance (6pm): Arrive for check-in at the Gothic Arch no later than 6:45pm.
• Twilight Performance (7:30pm): Arrive for check-in at the Gothic Arch no later than 8:15pm.
• For Your Comfort and Safety: We strongly encourage attendees to wear suitable footwear and dress appropriately for the space as it can be chillier inside the Catacombs than outside. Please note that the Catacombs are not ADA accessible or compliant.
• More for Your Comfort and Safety: The journey to and from the Catacombs takes approximately 20-30 minutes, which includes walking over hilly and uneven terrain; proper footwear and flashlights are strongly recommended. A trolley service to and from the site will be available.
• The Green-Wood trolley is fully accessible and ADA compliant. In order to accommodate a wheelchair or other mobility aids on the trolley, arrangements must be made in advance. Please call 718-210-3080, ext. 1 or email [email protected].
• Ticket sales are final. No exchanges or refunds unless the event is canceled.
• Attendees must follow ALL instructions and guidance from Cemetery staff and ambassadors.
• Feeling Sick? Stay home if you are feeling sick or running a fever.

Photo Credit: Kevin Condon

Host or Publisher The Green-Wood Historic Fund