Close Encounters With Music presents: "The Art of the String Quartet - The Avalon"

The notable Avalon String Quartet returns with “For Such a Time as This,” a retelling of the biblical Esther story for string quartet and vocalist from a feminist perspective. Composer Stacy Garrop’s intent is to remind us “we each possess agency to make changes happen in our lives, to act upon injustices, and leave the world a better place.” Mendelssohn’s Quartet No. 2 pulsates with young love before landing in fairyland with a shimmering scherzo right out of Midsummer Night’s Dream. Puccini’s verismo-style “Chrysanthemums,” a seldom-performed gem, begins the concert.