Performing the Classics of Tomorrow: Freya String Quartet to Present Works by Young, Up-and-Coming Composers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – (Pittsburgh) – Pittsburgh’s very own Freya String Quartet (Jason Neukom & Ashley Buckley, violin, Jason Hohn, viola, Katya Janpoladyan, cello), will be presenting a concert of new music by young, up-and-coming composers. Works include those by Chung Eun Kim, Matthew Peterson, Hong-Da Chin, Elizabeth Kowalski and Zachary Albrecht.

The performances will take place on October 11, 2013 at 8 pm and October 13, 2013 at 2 pm at First United Methodist Church in Shadyside.  Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for students and seniors. Season tickets are $60 for adults, $32 for students and seniors. Tickets are available online at www.showclix.com, or may be purchased at the door. A portion of the proceeds will benefit First United Methodist Church’s ongoing efforts for marriage equality in Pennsylvania in conjunction with the Methodist Federation for Social Action, the Reconciling Ministries Network and Equality PA.

Freya String Quartet violist, Jason Hohn, states “the quartet loves playing new music and working with young composers. It gives us unique opportunity for deep collaboration to play their music exactly as they intend. We also love the variety of styles–each composer has a unique voice and compositional approach, so although the music is brand new, each piece sounds completely different. These young composers are all very talented and have had their works performed by top ensembles all over the world.”

Included on the program are Korean composer Chung Eun Kim’s String Quartet No. 2 “L’homme armé”, Maylaysian composer Hong-Da Chin’s “…the clock is ticking…”, Pittsburgh native Zachary Albrecht’s String Quartet No. 1, Kowalski’s Whitewater, and American-Swedish composer Peterson’s Rosorna (the Roses). FSQ will also be presenting a world-premiere of Peterson’s Badlands in February 2014.

Founded in 2009, the Freya String Quartet (Jason Neukom, Ashley Buckley, Jason Hohn, Katya Janpoladyan) is dedicated to performing a wide range of music, advocating artistic evolution, and teaching the importance of classical music in the Pittsburgh area.  It has been the goal of the ensemble to go beyond the traditions of the classical music world by breaking boundaries and reaching new audiences through innovative performances and unique methods. Freya co-founded Symbiotic Collusion, a music-based arts organization, in 2011 in an effort to maximize the possibilities of these goals. Recent residencies and collaborations include those with the Charlotte New Music Festival, Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, Alia Musica, Arabesque Winds, and the Symbiotic Chamber Orchestra.
By: Jason Hohn

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