What is American: Found Futures
PUBLIQuartet
until 29 Jan 2026
22:30 - 23:15
Great Hall
Program
Vijay Iyer Dig the Say
Jlin Baobab
Mazz Swift Digging Gold; Deeper Blue
George Lewis New work
Sun Ra Interstellar Low Ways
Duke Ellington Come Sunday
Performers
PUBLIQuartet:
Curtis Stewart violin
Jannina Norpoth violin
Nick Revel viola
Hamilton Berry cello
The American String Quartet in the Spirit of the Here and Now
The PUBLIQuartet seeks to answer the question: What is American ? Boundaries blur in the music the quartet presents; boundaries between improvisation and composition, between Afro-futurism and contemporary classical performance practice, between the perceived past and the imagined future. This program envisions a future for American classical music centered on improvisation; the works breathe the spirit of the here and now.
According to The New York Times, the groundbreaking PUBLIQuartet offers "a respectful acknowledgment of the past" and takes "a confident step forward." The quartet is certainly committed to its own country. " What Is American: Found Futures" is a call to reflect on the kaleidoscope of composers and genres that together form the rich musical history of the complex nation of America. The quartet was nominated for a Grammy for a previous installment, recorded on CD.