Imani Winds and Catalyst Quartet's (im)migration: music of change

Hammer Theatre Center presents (im)migration: music of change with Imani Winds and Catalyst Quartet, two ensembles that have dominated the classical world joining forces for a night of breathtaking music. Included in the performance is a new Jessie Montgomery composition inspired by the Great Migration of African Americans across the United States in the 19th century. The Imani Winds ensemble has received rave reviews for their “impressive symbiosis and mastery of rhythm” (The Chicago Maroon), while Catalyst Quartet has been said to produce “a sweet, airy sound, capable of many shades of expression” (The Spokesman-Review).

(im)migration: music of change will feature “Sergeant McCauley,” a new work by Catalyst Quartet’s violinist and composer Jessie Montgomery. Inspired by the Great Migration of African Americans during the early to middle twentieth century from the perspective of Montgomery’s great-grandfather William McCauley, the piece will reflect her ancestor’s route from Mississippi through the West, north to the Dakotas, and eventually south to Georgia. Through a unique combination of wind instruments (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and horn) and strings (two violins, viola, and a cello), “Sergeant Macaulay” transforms the spiritual and work songs of her ancestor into a moving musical journey and continues the storytelling tradition passed through her mother: playwright, actor and teacher, Robbie McCauley. The program will also include Imani’s performance of “Afro Blue” (a jazz standard) by Mongo Santamaria and “Cane” by Jason Moran (inspired by the composer’s Louisiana bayou ancestry); Catalyst Quartet’s performance of “Leyendas: An Andean Walkabout” (a mixture of Western classical and Andean folk elements) by Gabriela Frank; and both ensembles performing “Concierto de Camara” by Puerto Rico native Roberto Sierra.

Imani Winds has created a name for itself in the classical music world through culturally diverse programming, imaginative collaborations, and inspirational outreach endeavors. The Grammy-nominated quintet includes flutist Brandon Patrick George, oboist Toyin Spellman-Diaz, clarinetist Mark Dover, French hornist Jeff Scott, and bassoonist Monica Ellis. The ensemble’s playlist embraces traditional chamber music and also aims to expand the wind quintet repertoire by commissioning music from new voices that reflect historical and current events, such as socially conscious music by Andy Akiho designed to be performed both on the concert stage and in front of immigrant detention centers throughout the country. Imani Winds regularly performs in prominent international concert venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Walt Disney Hall and the Kimmel Center. Their touring schedule has taken them throughout the Asian continent, Brazil, Australia, England, New Zealand and across Europe.

Hailed by The New York Times at their Carnegie Hall debut as “invariably energetic and finely burnished,” Catalyst Quartet is comprised of top laureates and alumni of the internationally acclaimed Sphinx Competition. In addition to violinist Jessie Montgomery, the quartet includes violinist Karla Donehew-Perez, violist Paul Laraia, and cellist Karlos Rodriguez. Founded by the Sphinx Organization, the Catalyst Quartet combines a serious commitment to diversity and education with a passion for contemporary works. The ensemble has toured throughout the United States and abroad, including sold-out performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, at Chicago’s Harris Theater, Miami’s New World Center, and Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall. Recent seasons have brought international touring in Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Puerto Rico, and expanded U.S. tours in Virginia, Minnesota, Hawaii, and California.

The Hammer Theatre Center is a distinctive, state-of-the-art performance venue in the heart of downtown San José. Owned by the City of San Jose and operated by San Jose State University (SJSU), the Hammer Theatre’s mission is to serve the community through artistically and educationally excellent programming that is expressive of the unique characteristics and diverse cultures that comprise Silicon Valley. The broader vision of the Hammer includes arts, innovation, and technology programming on the Paseo de San Antonio, creating a vibrant pathway between SJSU and the Tech Museum and bridging the urban spaces from Saint James Park down to the South of First Avenue cultural district. The Hammer also aims to connect SJSU’s more than 37,000 faculty, students, and staff with the downtown cultural and economic corridors.

Imani Winds and Catalyst Quartet will perform (im)migration: music of change 7:30pm, Saturday, February 22 at the Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose. For more information and tickets ($30-$45), the public may visit www.hammertheatre.com or call (408) 924-8501.