Pine Plains, N.Y. — Four principal musicians from the New York Philharmonic Orchestra will appear at the Stissing Center on Sunday, April 6, to play a program of Haydn, Dvořák, and Price.
Violinists Frank Huang and Qianqian Li, violist Cynthia Phelps, and cellist Carter Brey form the New York Philharmonic String Quartet. Each musician serves as the principal player of their respective section in the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.
They enjoy the classic works of composers like Haydn and Dvořák, and they’ll perform pieces by both on the 6th. But the true gem of the program is the newly rediscovered String Quartet No. 1 in G Major by Florence Price. Clarion Artistic Director Melissa White describes Price’s music as “soulful and groundbreaking.”
Florence Price holds the distinction of being the first African American woman to have a symphony performed by a major U.S. orchestra. Having studied at the New England Conservatory, Price was not only a composer, but also a pianist, and organist. She wrote music that blends classical European traditions with African American spirituals, gospel, and folk idioms. Her music is deeply expressive and in the 21st century has experienced a revival of sorts.
The program for April 6 is as follows
- Joseph Haydn — String Quartet in G Major, Op. 77, No. 1
- Florence Price — String Quartet No. 1 in G Major
- Antonín Dvořák — String Quartet No. 11 in C major, Op. 61
The New York Philharmonic String Quartet formed in January 2017 during the Philharmonic’s 175th anniversary season. The group made its debut in March 2017 as the solo ensemble in John Adams’ “Absolute Jest” in New York and subsequently reprised the work during the Philharmonic’s European tour that same year. Since its formation, the quartet has performed in the United States and internationally. They have received praise from critics, the The New York Times having described them as “a marvelous ensemble,” while the Palm Beach Daily News pointed to the group’s “romantic élan and grace.”
Violinist Frank Huang is best known for his role as the Concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic. Born in Beijing, China, Huang moved to Houston, Texas, at the age of seven. There, he took violin lessons with his mother before studying under Fredell Lack. Huang made his solo debut with the Houston Symphony Orchestra at age 11 in a nationally broadcast concert.
Qianqian Li, born in Nanjing, China, is well known for her role as Principal Second Violin of the New York Philharmonic. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the New England Conservatory, studying under Donald Weilerstein and serving as his teaching assistant.
Violist Cynthia Phelps is known for her versatility as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer. She started with violin but decided at the age of 11 that she preferred the viola for its deeper, richer sound.
Since 1996, Carter Brey has served as principal cellist of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. After winning the Rostropovich International Cello Competition in 1981, Brey launched his solo career, performing with orchestras and conductors around the world. He is also an accomplished chamber musician, collaborating with top ensembles and participating in major festivals. His recordings include works by Chopin and Latin American composers. A professional educator, Brey joined the faculty of the Curtis Institute in 2008.
Hear the New York Philharmonic String Quartet on Sunday, April 6, 3 p.m., at the Stissing Center, 2950 Church St., Pine Plains, NY 12567. Tickets and more information are available here.
