University News

The Harlem Quartet (L-r) Juan-Miguel Hernandez, Paul Wiancko, Ilmar Gavilan and in front, Melissa White. (courtesy photo)
[Download Print-Quality Image]

WIU BCA Presents Harlem Quartet Feb. 9

February 4, 2011

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL – The Harlem Quartet, a classical string quartet comprised of all-Black and Latino musicians, will bring their highly-acclaimed talent and performance to Western Illinois University Wednesday, Feb. 9. The WIU Bureau of Cultural Affairs-sponsored show is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. in the College of Fine Arts and Communication (COFAC) Recital Hall, located in Simpkins Hall.

Each member of the Harlem Quartet is a first place laureate of the Sphinx competition, and as a group they have a unique mission: to advance diversity in classical music while engaging young and new audiences through the discovery and presentation of varied repertoire, highlighting works by minority composers, according to their website http://harlemquartet.com.

Currently the resident ensemble in the New England Conservatory of Music's professional string quartet program, the Harlem Quartet was founded in 2006 by the Sphinx Organization, a national non-profit organization focused on building diversity in classical music and providing access to music education in underserved communities. The quartet made its debut in Fall 2006 at Carnegie Hall, followed by a performance at the legendary Apollo Theatre in Harlem. Each quartet member continues solo, chamber and orchestra appearances as time allows.

Members include: Ilmar Gavilan, violin, a native of Havana, Cuba, who has studied in his home country, Russia, Spain and the U.S.; Melissa White, violin, who does extensive work with the Reading (PA) school system and community music programs during the school year; Juan-Miguel Hernandez, viola, born in Canada, is an avid chamber musician and serves as faculty at the Sphinx Performance Academy during summers; and Paul Wiancko, cello, who has performed solo, in chambers and orchestras around the world, is also a composer, recorder and producer of New Music.

Tickets are $15 for the public, $10 for seniors 62 and older and free to WIU students with a valid ID. Tickets may be purchased through the Hainline Box Office, (309) 298-2900, between noon-5 p.m. weekdays, or go to wiu.edu/BCA and select "Get Tickets."

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing