Thursday, September 8, 2022

First Community Church
2007 E 15th St, Joplin, MO 64804

7:00 PM

Join us for our kickoff concert of the season with the virtuosic Sinta Quartet!

The Program

Inspired by the writings of composer Marc Mellits of the saxophone quartet functioning as one machine powered by four individuals, this program highlights works for the ensemble influenced by funk, folk, soul, and post-minimalism; all with a lyrical tone that fuses with earlier works from the chamber music/classical canon that highlight a full palette of compositional and instrumental colors.

Chris Hass (b. 1993): Volcanic Ash (2017)

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)/Graser: String Quartet in A minor, Op. 132 (1825)
III. Molto Adagio “Heiliger Dankgesang”

Marc Mellits (b. 1966): Ex Machina (2017)
Machine I (let the funk out)
Machine II (flowing)
Machine III (not quite, but almost pensive; sunflowers in love)
Machine IV (dancing a mean ghastly dance)
Machine V (the morning after)
Machine VI (flowing, lyrical, & songlike)
Machine VII (aggressive & funky)

Traditional/Graser: Reel Set
Emily’s Reel
Mason’s Apron
Angeline the Baker
Salt Creek

Mark O’Connor (b. 1961)/Graser: Appalachia Waltz (1993)

Kristin Kuster (b. 1973): Red Pine (2014)

J. S. Bach (1685 – 1750)/Graser: Selections from Die Kunst der Fuge BWV 1080 (post. 1751)
Contrapunctus I
Contrapunctus IX

John Mackey (b. 1973): Unquiet Spirits (2012)
I.
II.
III.

More About the Ensemble

The Sinta Quartet 

“Virtuosic to the core” (Textura) and hailed as “a tight-knit ensemble exploding with power and virtuosity” (Boston Musical Intelligencer), the Sinta Quartet is on a mission to bring the versatility, homogeneity, and excitement of the saxophone to audiences everywhere. Strengthening an already palpable connection with its audience by performing entirely from memory, the quartet provides a fresh take on chamber music that is at once beautiful, virtuosic, and a completely interactive experience.

The Sinta Quartet injects music and fun into the air for unsuspecting passersby by appearing in nontraditional venues such as grocery stores, bars, and other public places, but they have also performed in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Hall, and the Beijing Center for the Performing Arts. Since forming in 2010 as soloists for a tour of China with the University of Michigan Symphony Band, the quartet has concertized in 9 countries, 31 states, and 2 Canadian provinces, giving diverse audiences a chance to experience a classical saxophone quartet for the first time. The Sinta Quartet made history in 2013 as the first saxophone ensemble to win the Victor Elmaleh First Prize from the Concert Artists Guild Competition, and continued to achieve success on the competition circuit, winning the Gold Medal at the 2018 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, First Prize at the 2017 M-Prize Chamber Arts Competition, the Alice Coleman Grand Prize at the 2013 Coleman Chamber Music Competition, and 1st Prize at the 2012 North American Saxophone Alliance Competition.

The quartet’s programming takes the audience on an adventure through time, geography, and genre, often mixing classics from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries with commissions by today’s composers and rollicking in-house arrangements from various folk traditions. In addition to their live performances, the quartet recently released two albums featuring predominantly recent commissions and winning pieces from Sinta Quartet’s annual National Composition Competition. The first, Collider, hailed as, “An exciting ride! The ensemble, intonation, and technique in this recording are beyond question” (The Saxophonist Magazine), was released in 2019, and the second, Ex Machina, which was praised as “tightly performed and flawlessly recorded in generous, in-your-face sound” (Musical America), was released in 2020.

All four members of SQ are also passionate and dedicated teachers and relish the opportunity to play for and work with students of all ages. They carefully craft and curate programs designed for all levels of public school students and every type of community venue.

While Dan, Zach, Joe, and Danny all grew up in drastically different parts of the country (NY, TX, MI, and CA), they met at the University of Michigan where they studied with the legendary saxophone professor, Donald Sinta, and decided to name the group after him for the profound influence he had on each member and the inspired coaching he gave to the group during their student years.

Managed by General Arts Touring, Inc., Sinta Quartet’s members are all Selmer-Paris Artists and perform exclusively on Selmer saxophones.

https://www.sintaquartet.com/home

COVID-19 Safety Information

This event is MO ArtSafe certified. Click here to learn more about our safety protocols.

• Pro Musica encourages patrons to wear a mask throughout the event.
• All guests will follow any seating or distancing guidance conveyed by ushers or staff, such as designated seating areas and pathways for entering, exiting, etc.
• If you do not feel well and/or exhibit symptoms matching those for COVID-19, you agree to remain at home.
• All guests agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Pro Musica from and against any and all costs, expenses, damages, claims, lawsuits, judgments, losses, and/or liabilities (including attorney fees) arising directly or indirectly from, or related to, any and all claims due to bodily injury, death, loss of use, monetary loss, or any other injury from or related to the event generally, as well as in regards to any circumstances related to COVID-19.

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