Friday, 5/2/2025

8:15pm | Hockett Family Recital Hall

Guest Recital: Ulysses Quartet

Free, open to the public

The Ulysses Quartet presents Images and Reflection, a program that explores the interplay between vivid imagery and deep emotional reflection in both contemporary and classical music. Caroline Shaw’s Plan & Elevation, inspired by the lush and serene grounds of Dumbarton Oaks, invites the listener on a sonic journey through a garden of sound. Movements like The Ellipse, The Cutting Garden, and The Beech Tree reflect the natural beauty and tranquility of this historic setting, each capturing a unique aspect of the landscape’s atmosphere. Bela Bartók’s String Quartet No. 5 follows with its captivating rhythms and intricate textures, reflecting the composer’s deep connection to folk traditions and his ability to evoke both the lively and lyrical aspects of human experience.

After intermission, Soul, written by Christina Bouey, is a deeply personal and introspective piece. Inspired during a walk by the Hudson River in Manhattan, Christina pondered the profound questions of what it means to live, experience, and encounter the various facets of life with intention and deep meaning. Soul aims to awaken the listener’s emotions, inviting them to feel whatever their essence needs to feel in the moment. With its rich, expressive language, the piece reflects the composer’s desire to connect with the listener on a visceral, emotional level.

The evening concludes with Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, a work that combines virtuosic brilliance with a fiery, passionate spirit. From its exhilarating opening to the dramatic intensity of its final movement, Mendelssohn's writing showcases dazzling technical skill and musical innovation. The quartet’s bold energy and elegant lyricism leave a lasting impression, blending moments of exuberant fire with deep, emotional beauty.