A contemporary string quartet whose members also comprise a four piece vocal ensemble, Real Vocal String Quartet re-imagines the classical string quartet as an inclusive vehicle for innovative string playing. Originating new repertoire while exploring the confluence of strings and vocal music, this unique ensemble is the only combined vocal and string quartet performing on the chamber music scene, or any scene, today.
Real Vocal String Quartet was formed by violinist Irene Sazer and includes violinist Alisa Rose, violist Matthias McIntire, and cellist Jessica lvry. Sazer, an original member of the acclaimed, genre-bending Turtle Island String Quartet, founded RVSQ with a vision for a truly collective endeavor, and this band of performer/arranger/composers has coalesced around her original spark. The group’s surprisingly broad repertoire embraces the diverse influences of all four players, from jazz and rock to West African music and bluegrass. Sounds and songs inspire the Quartet from every which way. And while four distinct voices can be heard, they blend with each other perfectly. In concert, and on their debut recording, they bang on their violins, stomp their feet, and allow African trance music to influence their take on old-timey fiddle tunes.
Wherever they began individually, the players in Real Vocal String Quartet have traveled artistically together somewhere entirely new. Their chemistry as a musical group has become a catalyst for a creative explosion, using American, African, Brazilian, Balkan, and Appalachian inspirations to stretch beyond the conceived limits of string music. Click here to see RVSQ in action.
RVSQ will be participating in two events as part of the Bessie Bartlett Frankel Chamber Music Festival.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Master Class with RVSQ
4:15 p.m., Boone Recital Hall, Scripps College Performing Arts Center
Join the quartet for a master class devoted to developing vocal and instrumental improvisational skills for music students of the Claremont Colleges. Students interested in participating, please sign up with your Scripps music faculty instructor. Non-musicians are welcomed to observe. Email the Scripps College Department of Music for more information.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Bessie Bartlett Frankel Chamber Music Concert
3:00 p.m., Garrison Theater, Scripps College Performing Arts Center
Admission to the concert in Garrison Theater is absolutely free and open to the public. The concert will be followed by a reception in the lobby where guests will be able to meet and greet the performers.
These events are sponsored by the Bessie Bartlett Frankel Chamber Music Festival, the Scripps College Department of Music, and the Alexa Fullerton Hampton Fund.