Consider the first half of this program its own “mechanical symphony!” A sonic palette that celebrates humans in motion, the repertoire includes works by contemporary composer Stefan Thompson on the hustle and bustle of tourists in his native Bahamas, the machinistic whirs of Russian iron and steel factories as wrought by Alexander Mosolov and Sergei Prokofiev, and the chugging, churning charm of 20th century land travel through the imaginations of Arthur Honegger and John Adams. In the second half, four pulsing strokes of the timpani transition us from the composed clamor of machines to Beethoven’s broad and lyrical Violin Concerto, featuring guest violinist Nathan Amaral.

THOMPSON – Jitneys and Cruiseships
MOSOLOV – Iron Foundry
HONEGGER – Pacific 231
PROKOFIEV – The Steel Step Suite
ADAMS – Short Ride in a Fast Machine
BEETHOVEN – Violin Concerto

Special Guest: Nathan Amaral, violin

Edward Dusinberre, violin

Harumi Rhodes, violin

Richard O'Neill, viola

András Fejér, cello

The Takács Quartet stands among the most distinguished and influential string quartets of our time, celebrated for their vibrant musical dialogue, dynamic artistry, and deeply generous spirit. Renowned for infusing each performance with fresh insight and energy, they bring both passion and precision to every stage. For their performance with CCMS at Groton Hill, the Takács Quartet offers a rich program featuring masterworks by Haydn and Debussy, alongside a compelling new piece by acclaimed Brazilian-American composer Clarice Assad.