Even treasured canon repertoire sounds new when played by the Grammy-nominated Danish String Quartet. The Moss Art Center presents the world premiere of a newly recorded performance by the ensemble from a rustic church in Copenhagen, on Sunday, Feb. 21, at 2 p.m. The virtual event includes a live post-performance question-and-answer session with quartet members.
A musical journey through profound beauty, darkness, and triumph, the concert features a Bach fugue and chorale prelude, the lyrical Webern String Quartet (1905), and the ensemble’s own Nordic folk music. Ticket holders have access to this “HomeStage” series performance as it happens and for seven days following the event.
Danish String Quartet members Frederik Øland (violin), Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen (violin), Asbjørn Nørgaard (viola), and Fredrik Schøyen Sjölin (cello) bring a rare musical spontaneity to the stage. Exuding a palpable joy and warmth in its music-making that have made the it in demand on concert stages around the world, the quartet is known for impeccable musicianship, sophisticated artistry, exquisite clarity of ensemble, and, above all, an expressive, inextricable bond to the music.
Since its debut in 2002, the quartet has demonstrated a special affinity for Scandinavian composers, from Carl Nielsen to Hans Abrahamsen, alongside the music of Mozart and Beethoven. The ensemble’s musical interests also encompass Nordic folk music, which is the focus of its 2014 album “Wood Works.” “Last Leaf,” a follow-up album of traditional Scandinavian folk music, was one of the top classical albums of 2017 as chosen by National Public Radio (NPR), Spotify, and the New York Times.
Tickets are $10 for the general public and free for Virginia Tech students. Tickets can be purchased online; at the Moss Arts Center’s box office from10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; or by calling 540-231-5300 during box office hours.
Also available is the Spring Fan(fare) Pass, which provides access to all “HomeStage” events through May 31, 2021, guaranteeing a minimum of eight performances. While providing added support for the center, Spring Fan(fare) pass holders also get exclusive information through regular Fan(fare) Insider emails and are the first to know about new events added to the schedule.
