Vera Quartet from world-renowned Curtis Institute of Music will perform in Vietnam for the first time the Curtis On Tour: Vera Quartet concert in the cozy space of the HCMC Conservatory of Music’s Concert Hall on Saturday, April 20.

Vera Quartet from Curtis Institute of Music - PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE ORGANIZER

The award-winning string quartet will perform three different masterpieces by legendary German composer Beethoven, Hungarian composer Bela Bartok and contemporary Asian composer Bright Sheng.

The String Quartet No. 8 in E minor, Op. 59, No. 2 is an emotionally-stirring piece written by the genius composer Ludwig van Beethoven. The piece drew inspiration from a beautiful night when he was contemplating the starry sky, feeling his connection to the universe and music.

After many years of collecting and classifying folk music materials, the composer Bela Bartok succeeded in creating his own direction that made those who listen to his music feel like they are being taken to different parts of the world.

In this concert, the Vera Quartet will bring audience to Bartok’s homeland Hungary with the String Quartet No.3, one of the composer’s most outstanding works. The mood of the first part is quite bleak, contrasting with the second part which is livelier and provides evidence of the inspiration Bartok drew from Hungarian folk music, with dance-like melodies.

Vera Quartet will also introduce the vivid musical world of Asian composer Bright Sheng, with the piece Silent Temple - an exploration of the composer’s memory of visiting an abandoned Buddhist temple.

Curtis On Tour: Vera Quartet is part of the performing arts program Soul Live Project Series: The Modern Classics, a project that brings classical music closer to the mass audience. The program constantly inspires audience to experience different forms of performances and brings to Vietnam many outstanding international and regional artists.

With unique performances and inspirational stories told in the language of music, Curtis On Tour: Vera Quartet is set to bring Vietnamese audience an unforgettable music experience through space and time.

Founded in 2015, Vera Quartet has performed throughout the U.S., Spain, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan. The quartet has won many major awards at various music competitions, such as Plowman Chamber Music Competition, Chamber Music in Yellow Springs Competition for Emerging Professional Ensembles, and M-Prize Chamber Arts Competition.

A highlight of classical music, a string quartet is an extremely powerful ensemble. With two violins, one cello and one viola, a string quartet can pull off a wide range of sounds and bring out both the tenderness and intensity of a full symphonic piece.

The concert will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets range from VND600,000 down to VND400,000 and VND150,000 (for students only). For further information or booking, visit dreamspass.vn/slp-veraquartet/.

SGT