An Evening of Musical Dialogues: Matt Haimovitz and Christopher O’Riley at Drake University
The Bach Dialogues featuring renowned cellist Matt Haimovitz and former NPR host Christopher O’Riley will light up the stage at Drake University’s Sheslow Auditorium on Thursday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m. The event is a highlight of the Jordan Concert Series, promising a unique blend of classical and contemporary music.
Haimovitz, a multi-GRAMMY-nominated artist, and O’Riley are celebrated for their eclectic musical tastes, ranging from classical pieces to modern hits. Their latest collaboration, The Bach Dialogues (PENTATONE), showcases their diverse influences with arrangements that span from Radiohead’s Shuffle.Play.Listen to Pussy Riot’s Troika and Beethoven Sonatas on period instruments (BEETHOVEN, Period.).
In their upcoming performance, Haimovitz and O’Riley will delve into Bach’s Sonatas for Viola da Gamba, with Haimovitz adapting the part for a five-string baroque cello piccolo and O’Riley on the clavichord. Their innovative approach includes the use of an electric five-string cello and advanced sound sampling technology, known as ‘physical modeling’, to replicate historical keyboard sounds. Their set will feature the original Bach Gamba Sonatas, the C Major Trio Sonata, and selections from Bach’s Well-Tempered Klavier and Cello Suites.
This performance is reminiscent of their previous exploration into Beethoven’s works, which was also released under the PENTATONE Oxingale Series. The duo’s commitment to authenticity and creativity continues to bring forth new dimensions in classical music, making The BACH Dialogues a compelling addition to their collaborative portfolio.
The Legacy of the Jordan Concert Series
The Jordan Concert Series, held at the Jordan Stage in Sheslow Auditorium, carries the legacy of Alice and Frank B. Jordan, two significant figures in Drake University’s history. Alice Jordan, a 1938 graduate of Drake, was a prolific composer with over 250 choral and organ works. She played a vital role in Des Moines’ cultural scene through her involvement with various local organizations.
Dr. Frank B. Jordan was a respected professor and former dean at Drake’s College of Fine Arts. Together, they established the Jordan Concert Series in 1992, with Alice’s contributions to music being recognized through awards such as an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Drake and her induction into the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame.
The series continues to honor their contributions by bringing world-class performances to Drake University, enriching the local cultural landscape.
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