The Turtle Island Quartet is set to open the 2015 Distinguished Artist Series hosted by the Wanda L. Bass School of Music.
The quartet is comprised of violinist David Balakrishnan, cellist Mark Summer, violinist Mateusz Smoczynki, and violist Benjamin von Gutzeit.
They will play music by Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck and John Carisi, as well as a new piece that combines bluegrass, classical, jazz, and Indian music.
The group won Grammy Awards in 2006 and 2008 for Best Classical Crossover Album.
The group has been featured in television shows and magazines, including The Today Show, People and Newsweek. This year is their 30th anniversary.
As the opening act for the Distinguished Artist Series, this is the Turtle Island Quartet’s first performance at OCU.
The Distinguished Artist Series gives students and the local community a chance to experience live performances by professional musicians. The Wanda L. Bass School of Music hosts a variety of musicians.
Students are excited to hear this group preform.
“I’ve heard a few string quartets and I find this one to be especially unique and refreshing,” said Jordan Tarter, English literature freshman. “These skilled musicians clearly love what they do and that translates into their music.”
The performance is at 8 p.m. Oct. 6 in Petree Recital Hall in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $20, and seating is open.
Other upcoming Distinguished Artist Series performances include Nathan Gunn, an operatic baritone; Pavel Nersessian and Sergio Monteiro, pianists and Paul O’Dette, a Grammy-nominated flute player.
For ticket information, call the ticket office at 405-208-5227, or visit www.okcu.edu/tickets.
Visit www.turtleislandqartette.com For more information about the Turtle Island Quartet.
Contributing: Lifestyles Editor Sage Tokach.
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