Praised by The Washington Post for “astounding” and “captivating” performances, the Aizuri Quartet was awarded the Grand Prize at the 2018 M-Prize Chamber Arts Competition, along with top prizes at the 2017 Osaka International Chamber Music Competition in Japan and the 2015 Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition in London. Formed in 2012, the Aizuri Quartet draws its name from “aizuri-e,” a style of Japanese woodblock printing that is noted for its vibrancy and incredible detail.

Hailed as “intensely soulful” and a “virtuoso” by The New York Times, clarinetist and composer Kinan Azmeh has gained international recognition for his distinctive voice across diverse musical genres. Originally from Damascus, Syria, Azmeh brings his music to all corners of the world. In addition to his own Arab-Jazz Quartet CityBand, he was recently appointed to the National Council for the Arts on a nomination by President Joe Biden.

PROGRAM

Rhiannon Giddens: At the Purchaser’s Option

Kinan Azmeh: Improvisation

Layale Chaker: New Work

Kinan Azmeh: The Fence, the Rooftop, and the Distant Sea

Komitas Vartabed: Armenian Folk Songs

Wang Lu: Between Air

Michi Wiancko: Lullaby for the Transient

Paquito d’Rivera: Preludio y Merengue