Cynthia Yeh and the Art of Percussion - Evanston

Rembrandt Chamber Musicians Presents: Cynthia Yeh and the Art of Percussion
Rembrandt Chamber Musicians welcomes Cynthia Yeh, Principal Percussionist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, for a program exploring the remarkable expressive possibilities of percussion in chamber music. Joined by violinists John Macfarlane and Eleanor Bartsch, violist Carol Cook, and cellist Calum Cook, Yeh leads audiences through a diverse collection of contemporary works that blend rhythm, color, and melody in unexpected and captivating ways. The first half features Arvo Pärt’s meditative Fratres, Kenji Bunch’s energetic and lyrical Duo for the Verdant Valley, and Caroline Shaw’s imaginative Boris Kerner, each offering a unique perspective on musical dialogue and texture.
Following intermission, the full ensemble comes together for two substantial works that showcase percussion as an equal partner within the string quartet tradition. Andy Akiho’s Aluminous combines shimmering sonorities and driving rhythmic energy, while Samuel Adams’ Sundial closes the program with a sweeping and immersive sound world that unfolds with both intensity and grace. Together, these works highlight some of the most compelling voices in contemporary music and demonstrate the extraordinary versatility of chamber music in the twenty-first century.
PROGRAM
Arvo Pärt (b. 1935)
Fratres
Kenji Bunch (b. 1973)
Duo for the Verdant Kingdom
Movements II & III
Caroline Shaw (b. 1982)
Boris Kerner
Intermission
Andy Akiho (b. 1979)
Aluminous
Samuel Adams (b. 1985)
Sundial
ARTISTS
Cynthia Yeh, percussion
John Macfarlane, violin
Eleanor Bartsch, violin
Carol Cook, viola
Calum Cook, cello
Performance Dates & Venues
Friday, February 12, 2027 – 7:00 PM
Chicago Temple, Dixon Chapel
77 W. Washington St., 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60602
Sunday, February 14, 2027 – 3:00 PM
Nichols Concert Hall
1490 Chicago Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201