Four Christmases

The Turtle Island String Quartet plays an unusual blend of holiday music.

The string quartet has traditionally been a vehicle for classical music, but for almost 25 years, the Turtle Island String Quartet has taken the form to a completely different place. The group frequently improvises when delving into the jazz realm, as evidenced on its latest effort, the outstanding A Love Supreme: The Legacy of John Coltrane.

For tonight’s Solstice Celebration concert, cellist and founding member Mark Summer says the musicians will put a jazzy spin on “Silent Night,” which segues into Miles Davis’s “All Blues,” and offer a Latin-jazz take on “Hanukkah Oh Hanukkah.” They’ll also perform tunes from A Charlie Brown Christmas and a Bollywood film. In addition, the players will explore their own roots, presenting music from the Hindu holiday Dewali, which Summer says is part of violinist Dave Balakrishnan’s tradition, and Scottish fiddle music that’s part of violist Jeremy Kittel’s ancestry.

“It’s a very diverse program that’s a lot of fun with a real groove,” Summer says.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the University of Denver’s Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 East Iliff Avenue; a free Behind the Curtain lecture precedes it at 6:30. Tickets are $28 to $52; purchase yours at 303-357-ARTS or www.ticketmaster.com.
Sat., Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m., 2008

 
My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest
 
©2013 Denver Westword, LLC, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Denver / Boulder

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city