Eric Pritchard, violin
Hsiao-mei Ku, violin
Jonathan Bagg, viola
Caroline Stinson, cello
Robert Sims, baritone
The Ciompi Quartet—Duke University’s resident string quartet since 1965—has delighted audiences and impressed critics on five continents. The Ciompi Quartet has developed a reputation for performances of real intelligence and musical sophistication, with a warm, unified sound that allows each player’s individual voice to emerge. In recent years, the Ciompi Quartet has performed across the U.S. from Washington, California, Texas, Ohio, New York, Washington DC and New England; they have appeared abroad from China and Taiwan to France, Italy, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Serbia and Albania. In 2026 the quartet made its fifth trip to China, where it has performed in over a dozen cities. In 2024 the Quartet performed in Vienna at a celebration of Arnold Schoenberg’s 150th anniversary. The Quartet has performed at festivals across the US, including the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, Eastern Music Festival and Highlands Chamber Music Festival, and at Monadnock Music in New Hampshire.
Robert Sims, Gold Medal winner of the American Traditions Competition, has been hailed by critics for his rich tone, energetic performances, and convincing stage presence. Robert made his debut with Chicago Opera Theater in the world premiere of Dan Shore’s Freedom Ride and produced Masters of the Spiritual at New York’s Lincoln Center. He has appeared as the leading baritone in The James Baldwin Chronicles with Renee Baker and the Chicago Modern Orchestra Project, and as Pangloss in Bernstein’s Candide with the Oakland Symphony.
PROGRAM:
Samuel Barber (1910-1981), String Quartet Op. 11
Molto allegro e appassionato
Molto adagio
Molto alleger (come prima)
Ben Johnston (1926-2019), String Quartet #4 “Amazing Grace”
Caroline Shaw, “I’ll Fly Away” (2012)
Mournin’ Train (Robert Sims solo)
-Intermission-
William Billings (1746-1800), “When Jesus Wept”
Charles Ives (1874-1954), Andante con moto from String Quartet #1
Harry T. Burleigh (1866-1949), I’ve Been in the Storm So Long
Burleigh, There’s A Balm in Gilead
Florence Price (1887-1953), Two Negro Folk Songs in Counterpoint
Little David, Play On Yo’ Harp
Joshua Fit de Battle ob Jericho
Robert Nathaniel Dett (1882-1943), I’m So Glad Trouble Don’t Last Alway
Dett, Follow Me
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Enjoy a performance in a modern and elegant sanctuary that includes a Steinway grand piano that has been played by both local and visiting musicians who appreciate its rich tones.
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