Program
From the Harlem Renaissance to Today
MSIMELELO MBALI, Bass–baritone
WU QIAN, Piano
STELLA CHEN, Violin
GUILLERMO FIGUEROA, Violin
ARNAUD SUSSMANN, Viola
NICHOLAS CANELLAKIS, Cello
Still: Suite for Violin and Piano (1943)
Montgomery: Duo for Violin and Cello (2015)
Price: Quintet in A minor for Piano, Two Violins, Viola, and Cello
Additional vocal works TBA
Program Notes
This program celebrates humanity and the way we observe complicated, multi-layered traditions. Still’s suite is a reflection on three Harlem Renaissance sculptures that together give a nuanced view of African American life in the 1930s. Montgomery’s duo, meanwhile, is a modern-day depiction of the unbreakable bonds of friendship. To finish the program, Price takes a long view of history, with a classical exploration of traditional music drawing on hymns, spirituals, and dances. A nod to the African American vocal tradition completes this program of Black music past and present.
“CMS at the Meadows” will take place rain or shine at Pitney Meadows Community Farm, under the High Tunnel greenhouse, a large outdoor event space. Performances will all be 90 minutes long with no intermission.
Ticketing Information
Subscriptions to all six programs, at either 3 p.m. or 7 p.m., will be available to purchase at SPAC.org on December 10 for SPAC members. Member presales are tiered by level, and members will receive their presale start time via email. Subscriptions will be available to the general public beginning December 17. Subscription packages will be $300-$360 depending on seating location. Single performance tickets will be available to purchase in early March, and will be $55-$65 each.