Every year, Gustavus aims to provide culturally engaging and artistic programs for students, staff, and the St. Peter community. These programs range anywhere from musical performances, to art showcases and dance productions.
On Friday, September 16, The Gustavus Artist Series and The Office of Fine Arts will be hosting one of the first musical events of the year. The Turtle Island String Quartet in Concert is part of the Gustavus Artist Series Performance, and they will be performing from 7:30-9:30 pm in Bjorling Recital Hall.
According to the Turtle Island Quartet Website, the group was formed in 1985 by violinist David Balakrishnan, and was named for the North American continent which is known in Native American culture as Turtle Island. Turtle Island String Quartet has toured throughout the world and has been recognized for their talent, winning the 2006 and the 2008 Grammy Award for Best Classical Crossover Album.
The current members of the Turtle Island String Quartet include: Alex Hargreaves, on violin; David Balakrishnan on violin, baritone violin; Benjamin von Gutzeit on viola; and Malcolm Parson on cello. The members of Turtle Island String Quartet are from various places across the United States and Europe, creating a diverse ensemble.
Assistant Professor of Viola and Conductor of the Gustavus Philharmonic Orchestra Justin Knoepfel feels that the Turtle Island String Quartet offers a new approach on classical string quartet music, by fusing the classical string quartet with American musical styles, and other genres.
“For this concert they’ll be playing the music of Miles Davis, cool jazz composer,” Knoepfel said.
For students who are interested in jazz, the concert will provide a different adaptation on the popular style of music.
“The Turtle Island Quartet was the first classical string quartet to incorporate jazz, jazz improvisation, jazz rhythms, and have commercial success and immediate critical acclaim for their music,” Director of Fine Arts in Fine Arts Programs and Manager of Concert Tours in Marketing and Communication Al Behrends said.
The quartet has performed at Gustavus in the past, and Behrends is excited for the group to kick off the Gustavus Artist Series for the 2016-2017 school year.
“This is certainly a highlight for the Gustavus Artist Series this year. They show the life of new classical music. The concert is going to show people that the string quartet medium is still very much alive.” Behrends said.
The staff in the music department encourages everyone to attend the concert, as well as the colloquium that Turtle Island Quartet will be hosting for students.
“This is a real treat for the entire community. It’s not very often that we get to interact with such a renowned ensemble. At 2:30 on Friday the Turtle Island String Quarter will be leading a colloquium called It’s About Time. They’ll be speaking, demonstrating with our students about their music. Should be a great time,” Knoepfel said.
Senior and vocalist for the Gustavus Jazz Lab Band Preston Schlueter welcomes the opportunity to hear a different style of jazz on campus.
“I think that it’s important that students on campus try to expose themselves to as many different varieties in music and performance whenever possible,” Schlueter said. “I think that the Turtle Island String Quartet should provide a unique and enjoyable perspective and students that come will have a good time and maybe learn something in the process.”
The colloquium is available to students who wish to attend and the concert is open to the public. Tickets for the event are available to Gustavus staff, non-Gustavus students, and senior citizens (62) for $11, and $15 for adults. The event is free to all Gustavus students with an ID.