A string quartet of ASO musicians performs works by Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, William Grant Still, and Antonín Dvořák, in a program curated by violinist Ashley Horne, a longtime member of the American Symphony Orchestra. In the curation of this program, Horne has combined compositions that reflect several of his own significant personal and musical connections to them.

Horne worked with Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson for many years, including as concertmaster for the New Black Repertory Ensemble in Chicago where Perkinson served as Music Director. Horne was called upon by Perkinson in the composer’s will to play the world premiere recording of his solo violin composition Louisiana Blues Strut, a composition Horne had viewed in its original pencil manuscript form. Horne shares that this request “was a testament to the work that I had done and the friendship that we had.” Horne also recorded for Perkinson another of the composer’s compositions: Perkinson’s first string quartet, which appears on this concert program.

Horne has known Judith Still – the daughter of William Grant Still – for many years since his childhood growing up in Los Angeles. During that time, Horne began studying with renowned violin teacher Joachim Chassman, to whom Still dedicated his Lyric Quartette, presented on this program.

And finally, Horne brings to the stage a string quartet Antonín Dvořák wrote in 1893, at which time the composer resided in New York City and served as director of the National Conservatory of Music located near Union Square. Horne shares this work’s significance and more in introductions to the music performed live on May 13 and 14 at Bryant Park.

This performance is part of a free chamber music series in partnership with Bryant Park with programs curated by ASO musicians. Music-lovers will find a limited number of first-come, first-served chairs set up to enjoy an after-work respite with live music.

This program is funded in part by the E. Nakamichi Foundation.

The ASO’s Chamber Series is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.