“These four string virtuosos animate every note with uncommon power and passion as well as elegance. Listen and weep.” – Toronto Star

The Juno Award-Winning New Orford String Quartet is comprised of four musicians with equally stellar pedigrees formed the New Orford String Quartet over a decade ago in 2009. Their concept bring four elite orchestral leaders together to perform chamber music at the highest level. They are also dedicated to promoting Canadian works and prepared a varied program from Dvořák’s “American” String Quartet to Canadian Carmen Braden’s The Raven Conspiracy.

The Raven Conspiracy was first premiered in 2013 by the Penderecki Quartet in Yellowknife. Each of the three movements explore themes sources from ravens. The first movement, Sticks and Bones, explores a creation that ravens came from a nest, deep in the earth made of sticks and bones. The second movement, Waltz of Wing and Claw, reflects the ravens’ aerial dance when they swoop and dive in a mesmerizing shaded synchronicity. The last movement, Something Shiny, evokes the ravens’ playfulness, mischief, jaunty stride and jangling song.

Experience The Raven Conspiracy for yourself along with other great modern compositions like Strum, composed by African-American female composer, Jessie Montgomery. Strum is reminiscent of American folk melodies jostling together “turbulent, wildly colorful and exploding with life” (Washington Post). Premiering YouTube on March 27 and will be available until April 3, 2022. This free concert relies on the support of the community. Donations of any size are appreciated and those above $20 will receive a tax-deductible receipt.

Program:
Tango ballet – Astor Piazzolla
The Raven Conspiracy – Carmen Braden
Adagio for Strings, Op. 11 – Samuel Barber
Strum – Jessie Montgomery
String Quartet No. 12 in F Major, Op. 96 “American” – Antonín Dvořák

The program has been generously sponsored by the Canada Council of the Arts and the Province of BC.