The internationally acclaimed Borromeo String Quartet keeps local audiences coming back for more! Join us as we welcome the Borromeo String Quartet for their eleventh residency at CSU where the quartet leads masterclasses and performs as guest artists in the Classical Convergence Series co-presented by the School of Music, Theatre and Dance and the Fort Collins Lincoln Center. This year’s concert takes place on April 15 at 7:30 p.m., in the Griffin Concert Hall.
Celebrating their 25th anniversary, the Borromeo String Quartet, featuring Nicholas Kitchen, violin; Kristopher Tong, violin; Mai Motobuchi viola; and Yeesun Kim, cello, continue their groundbreaking use of laptop computers as sheet music, video projection backdrops, and animated demonstrations as a vehicle to share their creative musical process. Their incorporation of technology enables each musician to read from a full score or original manuscripts, which is a unique experience within a chamber music setting. Each visionary performance brings a fresh interpretation of classical music canon and engrosses the audience.
Audiences are stimulated by Borromeo’s ability to bring a contemporary fire to often-heard repertoire, while making even the most challenging new music approachable. “Only a few groups in the world can do what the Borromeo achieve, it’s an honor to be a part of that experience here at CSU,” said Ron Francois, coordinator of strings at CSU and organizer of the residency.
A critical component of the Classical Convergence Series is the opportunity for artist-student interaction. As part of the residency, the quartet participates in a teaching program at both the pre-college and college level. The quartet annually inspires students during master classes at Colorado State University (CSU) and select Poudre District high schools. These sessions provide dynamic, hands-on instruction for students where they learn how to play chamber music while strengthening their technique. At the end of their training, high school students participating in the Pre-College Chamber Music Program perform a concert at CSU and present the new skills they have acquired.
“The Borromeo group are excellent teachers. They connect with the students, are really down-to-earth and inspire everyone,” said Francois. “I love working with Borromeo because I am attracted to their way of playing. The way they teach and play is similar to my personal style and teaching philosophy [and] I learn new things from them every year.”
The Borromeo String Quartet residency is a vital part of musical education in Fort Collins. Their expertise as dynamic performers and skilled ability to make a score come alive is invaluable for young musicians learning to express themselves in a fluid artistic form. Our local community gains an opportunity to experience classical music played at a pinnacle level and an opportunity for locals to learn from the best.
-By Madeline Bombardi, UCA Marketing Intern
Ticket Information
Tickets for the Borromeo Concert are on sale now! $22, $25/public and $10/student. Tickets are available at the University Center for the Arts (UCA) ticket office in the UCA lobby Monday through Friday, 3:30-5:30 p.m. and 60 minutes prior to performances, by phone at (970) 491-ARTS (2787). Youth tickets must be purchased in person at the Ticket Office. All tickets are subject to a $1 ticket fee for both online and at-the-door purchases. Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended to avoid lines and further at-the-door fees.