The Alexander Kasser Theater had a full house at this weekend’s Shanghai Quartet concert.
The critically acclaimed Shanghai Quartet brought their spring concert to the Alexander Kasser Theater this past weekend. The very talented group is made up of only four members: violinists Weigang Li and Yi-Wen Jiang, cellist Nicholas Tzaveras and violist Honggang Li. The sounds that these gifted musicians make together is nothing like any concert you’ve ever heard before. The uniqueness that accompanies each piece is both pleasing to the ear and innovative.
The pieces that were featured throughout the evening’s program included the Mozart String Quartet No. 20 in D Major, K.499 “Hoffmeister,” the Mendelssohn String Quartet No. 6 in F Minor, op. 80 and the Grieg String Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, op. 27. The title of the concert was based on the three talented musicians that wrote the pieces featured in the program. These historic pieces were played beautifully, as the Shanghai Quartet mastered each and every note.
“I had goosebumps throughout the entire concert,” said audience member Samantha Nieffo. “The quartet was absolutely amazing.”
The concert was almost two hours long, allowing the audience to be taken away in a trance of music. While only three works were performed, each piece had multiple movements. The individual instruments blended together beautifully, as it was evident that no specific sound overpowered another. As usual, the Quartet received a standing ovation at the conclusion of the night.
“I never thought classical music could be so entertaining!” said Nieffo.
The Shanghai Quartet was formed in 1983 at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in China. The group travels all over the world, performing throughout Europe, Asia and North and South America. For about 14 years, the Shanghai Quartet has been the quartet-in-residence at Montclair State University’s John J. Cali School of Music. They are known to combine the traditional sound of Eastern music with that of Western music.
The Shanghai Quartet typically performs twice a year at the Alexander Kasser Theater, making the one-night events sell out quickly. Interested in finding out more? Head to shanghaiquartet.com for more information on the group and their up-and-coming concerts.
The Alexander Kasser Theatre is located right on Montclair State University’s campus at 1 Normal Ave. Please visit peakperfs.org for more information about upcoming shows. Summer break is nearing, so don’t miss out on Peak Performances’ final shows. Tickets are available online or at the door from the box office. All seats are always reasonably priced and free to MSU undergraduate students with an ID.
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