International performers the Lydian String Quartet (LSQ) will join cellist Rhonda Rider in a "Quintetssentials" performance at Studzinski Recital Hall on Sunday.
Known as "Rhonda and the Lyds", the Quintetssentials is a strings ensemble group made of the LSQ and Cellist of the Triple Helix Piano Trio Rhonda Rider.
The LSQ is made up of violists Judith Eissenberg, Mary Ruth Ray, and Daniel Stepner, as well as cellist Joshua Gordon—all distinguished musicians.
For example, Eissenberg is the founder of LSQ as well as the MusicUnitesUs, a group that helps to educate and further children's understanding and acceptance of diverse cultures though music
Stepner is a two-time Grammy-nominated musician; Ray executed the complete cycle of more than 200 sacred cantatas by Bach; and Gordon contributed to the New World recording, "Leo Ornstein: Complete Works For Cello and Piano," which earned a place on the top 10 classical recordings of 2007 by the All Music Guide. Rider is a long-time friend of the group who was named 2010-2011 Artist-in-Residence at Grand Canyon National Park.
"I'm really glad that Bowdoin is trying hard to get more professional musicians to campus," said David Yoon '11, who has been playing the cello since the age of six. "It's a great way for the college to get students interested in small ensembles and make music together."
The LSQ has been playing together since 1990, sharing their performances with listeners and other musicians worldwide.
The group has incorporated elements of the European and American quartet traditions as well as utilized their own backgrounds in the fields of early, contemporary and world music.
"A lot of chamber music is about interacting with players," explained Yoon, who is looking forward to the performance by Quintetssentials. "Watching live performance is very different from listening to recorded music because you see performers and their expressions."
First years like Marc Veilleux are also anticipating the Quintetssentials performance to provide a relaxing peace of mind after two stressful weeks of getting used to college life and curriculum.
"It will be really nice to be able to go some place and just listen to great music and relax," Veilleux said. "I really can't wait."
Quintetssentials will perform "Schubert's Quintet in C Major" this Sunday, September 19 at 3 p.m. in Kanbar Auditorium in Studzinski Recital Hall. A pre-concert lecture will be held before the recital at 2 p.m. Both events are open to the public for free.
"It's a great way to get the community together through music and live performance," said Yoon. "I'm really excited about it."