Highlights from our April String Quartet Residency

This April featured an exciting three-part string quartet residency that beautifully reflected how the Newport String Project’s mission is coming to life. Each event offered something a little different:

• Beethoven at Rough Point – The residency launched with a lecture-performance of Beethoven’s op 18 no 1 for a full-capacity crowd in the grand hall of Doris Duke’s Rough Point. It was an opportunity for the audience to learn about the historical context of the music, delve into Beethoven’s musical language and peek “behind-the-notes”, bringing the listening experience to life in a new way. This collaboration with the Newport Restoration Foundation also gave the audience a chance to explore one of Newport’s most beautiful historic homes.
• Quartets at the Aquidneck Growers’ Market, with a special appearance by Newport String Project students – As people bustled in to pick up their fresh produce, there were more than a few surprised and curious smiles as they stumbled upon a “free-range” string quartet, playing everything from Bach to the Beatles. A particular highlight of the morning was a performance by our violin and viola students. Full of purpose and excitement, the students performed a rousing set of market-themed fiddle tunes (Boil ‘em Cabbage, Peeler’s Jig, Chicken Reel) for a wildly appreciative audience

Students in action at the Aquidneck Growers' Market

• Beethoven, Schubert and Gershwin at Greenvale Vineyards – With the stunning natural beauty of Greenvale as a backdrop, we wrapped up the residency with an intimate performance of quartets by Beethoven, Schubert and Gershwin.

STring Quartets by Gershwin, Schubert and Beethoven At greenvale vineyards