As part of its yearlong World Music Series, the Elmhurst College Department of Music presents the Kontras Quartet in recital on March 15.
Described as a “tightly crafted and beautiful instrument,” the members of the Kontras Quartet—violinists Dmitri Pogorelov and Francois Henkins, violist Ai Ishida and cellist Jean Hatmaker—hail from four different parts of the world. Their performances highlight music from each of their home countries: Russia, South Africa, Japan and the United States.
Kontras, which means “contrasts” in Henkins’ native Afrikaans language, debuted in Chicago after the four musicians met while performing in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Kontras began its professional touring career in 2009 and has been garnering acclaim ever since. The Kontras Quartet is the resident string quartet with the Ars Viva Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Western Piedmont Symphony of North Carolina. Hatmaker and Ishida also are on the faculty of Elmhurst College.
The Kontras Quartet will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, in Buik Recital Hall. The concert will feature the music of Beethoven, Golijov, Ives, Stravinsky, Koapeng and Koumatsu. Admission is $15 and is free for all Elmhurst College students, faculty and staff. Tickets are available online or at the door, depending on availability.
Throughout the 2013-14 academic year, Elmhurst College has celebrated music and dance from an eclectic range of cultures and styles during the Elmhurst College World Music Series. This year’s theme is Kontras! Music of Contrasts, and concerts in the series have explored the folk melodies of Russia and the lively mariachi music of Mexico, as well as the music of Japan, Korea, Spain, Brazil, India, South Africa and the United States.