About the Event

Joining forces for this unique collaboration are the trailblazing string quartet Brooklyn Rider and innovative tenor Nicholas Phan, interpreting the music of iconic artists of both the classical and pop worlds Drawing on repertoire from the album So Many Things, on the Naïve label, are new works written for this partnership by Nico Muhly, Pulitzer Prize winner Caroline Shaw, and Brooklyn Rider’s own Colin Jacobsen, as well as luminescent arrangements of existing music by John Adams, Elvis Costello, Brad Mehldau, Rufus Wainwright, Sting, Bjork and more. Into this eclectic evening, Brooklyn Rider will weave string quartets by Glass and Janáček, reflecting the imaginative programming style for which they are known. 

Hailed as “the future of chamber music” (Strings), Brooklyn Rider (Johnny Gandelsman, violin; Colin Jacobsen, violin; Nicholas Cords, viola; Michael Nicolas, cello) offers eclectic repertoire in gripping performances that continue to attract legions of fans and draw rave reviews from classical, world, and rock critics alike. In fall 2018, Brooklyn Rider released Dreamers on Sony Music Masterworks with Mexican jazz vocalist Magos Herrera. They also recently debuted their Healing Modes project, which presents Beethoven’s Opus 132 alongside new commissions by Reena Esmail, Gabriela Lena Frank, Matana Roberts, and Caroline Shaw. Other recent projects include collaborations with choreographer Brian Brooks, prima ballerina Wendy Whelan, banjoist Béla Fleck, jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman, and Irish fiddle master Martin Hayes. 

Described by the Boston Globe as “one of the world’s most remarkable singers,” American tenor Nicholas Phan is increasingly recognized as an artist of distinction. Praised for his keen intelligence, captivating stage presence, and natural musicianship, he performs regularly with the world’s leading orchestras and opera companies. Also, an avid recitalist, in 2010 he co-founded the Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago (CAIC) to promote art song and vocal chamber music, where he serves as artistic director. 

World Class Partner

Virginia G. Piper Concert Series supported by the Dayton Fowler Grafman Endowment for Classical Music