THE CONCERT EVENT OF THE SUMMER AT MoCA WESTPORT

MoCA Westport is thrilled to present the renowned American String Quartet in a special outdoor performance on Friday, July 31 at 8 p.m. The concert, featuring the music of Mozart, Dvorak and Shostakovich, will take place on an outdoor stage with attendee groups spread six feet apart.

Attendees are asked to bring their own chairs and snacks for the event; drinks will be available for purchase prior to the concert. All physical distancing measures will be followed, including the wearing of masks.

MoCA Westport Concert Series Curator Alexander Platt will provide his much-beloved commentary as part of the concert event. Of the Quartet, Platt said, “I've known the American String Quartet for many years, due to my work over the last eighteen years in Woodstock. Back then they were the gold standard in American string quartets -- and they still are now.”

“Working with the four wonderful members of the ASQ has always been a pleasure, and I can't wait to hear their beautiful music again --- now, more than ever. Their program -- sublime Mozart, bracing Shostakovich and appropriately, Dvorak's ‘American’ string quartet -- will be the perfect musical tonic, after all we've been through,” Platt added.

Ruth Mannes, the Executive Director of MoCA Westport stated, “With so many events cancelled this summer, we are thrilled to be able to provide this experience. This is truly a unique opportunity to enjoy musicians of the highest caliber in a beautiful outdoor setting. We hope to revive an experience that we have all been longing for in these last months -- to reflect, appreciate and be inspired by music, together as a community.”

Described by The New York Times as providing, “luxurious, beautifully sculptured performances,” and as a “display of ensemble mastery, of passion, precision and interpretive smarts in near perfect synchrony” by The Los Angeles Times, the American String Quartet is composed of Peter Winograd (violin), Laurie Carney (violin), Daniel Av­sha­lo­mov (viola), and Wolfram Koes­sel (cello).

The American String Quartet has spent decades honing the luxurious sound for which it is famous, and is internationally recognized as one of the world’s finest quartets. ASQ celebrated its 45th anniversary in 2019, and, in its years of touring, has performed in all fifty states and has appeared in the most important concert halls worldwide.

Tickets are available for purchase on the MoCA Westport website (www.mocawestport.org), or by calling 203/222-7070. The maximum number of tickets available will be in accordance with Connecticut state guidelines.

MoCA Westport member tickets are $50 each; non-member tickets are $75 each before July 10. Tickets purchased after July 10 will be available for $75 members/$100 non-members. There is ample and accessible parking available at the venue. MoCA Westport thanks WSHU for their support.