Bluegrass and Beyond: The modern American string quartet

Exploring the evolution of the modern string quartet, this program brings together two compelling works by living composers: Philip Glass’ hypnotic and influential String Quartet No. 5 and Mark O’Connor’s genre-crossing String Quartet No. 2 “Bluegrass”, which fuses classical structure with the rhythmic drive and spirit of American roots music. Glass creates a luminous, ever-shifting soundscape, while O’Connor draws on folk traditions to reimagine the quartet through a distinctly American lens. Featuring Nurit Bar-Josef, Milana Reiche, Erina Laraby Goldwasser, and Austin Fisher, the ensemble brings these contrasting visions to life with clarity, nuance, and expressive depth.