Alaska Airlines’ Autumn Classics
Presented by the Sitka Music Festival
Alaska’s Premier Chamber Music Presenter
Zuill Bailey, Artistic Director

Hailed by The New York Times at its Carnegie Hall debut as "invariably energetic and finely burnished… playing with earthy vigor," the Grammy Award-winning Catalyst Quartet was founded by the internationally acclaimed Sphinx Organization in 2010. The ensemble (Karla Donehew Perez, violin; Abi Fayette, violin; Paul Laraia, viola; and Karlos Rodriguez, cello) believes in the unity that can be achieved through music and imagine their programs and projects with this in mind, redefining and reimagining the classical music experience.

"LIKE ALL GREAT CHAMBER GROUPS, THE CATALYST QUARTET IS BEAUTIFUL TO WATCH, LIKE A FAMILY IN LIVELY CONVERSATION AT THE DINNER TABLE: ANTICIPATING, INTERRUPTING, CHANGING SUBJECTS." – THE NEW YORK TIMES (AUGUST 5, 2020)

Hailed as "Superb" and "imaginative, skillful creators" by the New York Times, the Calder Quartet captivates audiences exploring a broad spectrum of repertoire, always striving to fulfill the composer’s vision in their performances. The group's distinctive artistry is exemplified by a musical curiosity brought to everything they perform and has led them to be called "one of America’s most satisfying - and most enterprising - quartets". (Los Angeles Times)

Winners of the prestigious 2014 Avery Fisher Career Grant, they are widely known for the discovery, commissioning, recording and mentoring of some of today’s best emerging composers. In addition to performances of the complete Beethoven and Bartok quartets, the Calder Quartet’s dedication to commissioning new works has given rise to premieres of dozens of string quartets by established and up-and-coming composers including Peter Eötvös, Andrew Norman, Christopher Rouse, Ted Hearne and Christopher Cerrone. Inspired by innovative American artist Alexander Calder, the Calder Quartet’s desire to bring immediacy and context to the works they perform creates an artfully crafted musical experience.

Friday, September 15 – UAA Recital Hall
Catalyst Quartet
Paquito D’Rivera (b. 1948) – But, Just a Minute?!, A Farewell Mambo, & Wapango
Piazzolla (1921 – 1992) – Suite del Ángel
Gershwin (1898 - 1937) – Lullaby
Ravel (1875 – 1937) -- String Quartet in F Major



Saturday, September 16 – UAA Recital Hall
Catalyst Quartet
J.S. Bach (1685-1750) – Goldberg Variations

Sunday, September 17 – UAA Recital Hall
Catalyst Quartet with Zuill Bailey
Joseph Haydn (1733-1809) – String Quartet Op. 76 No. 4 "Sunrise"
Kishi Bashi (b. 1975) – Con Brio
Billy Childs (b.1957) – The Face of Past Regret
Jessie Montgomery (b.1981) – Build
Andy Akiho (b. 1979) – Presidio
Kevin Puts (b. 1972) – Emerge
Joan Tower (b.1938) – A short flight
Angélica Negrón (b.1981) – Lo infinito
Caroline Shaw (b. 1982) – Bittersweet synonym
Nick Revel (b. 1986) – Time Capsule
Paul Mekailian (b. 1988) – A future in process
Alexander Glazunov (1865- 1936) – String Quintet in A major, Op. 39, G 34

Friday, September 29 – UAA Recital Hall
Zuill Bailey & Calder Quartet
Boccherini (1743 – 1805) – Cello Quintet in C-major Op. 28, No. 4
Thomas Adès (b. 1971) – Arcadiana
Schubert (1797 – 1828) – String Quartet No. 15 in G major, D. 887

Saturday, September 30 – UAA Recital Hall
Mike Block Trio

Sunday, October 1 – UAA Recital Hall
Calder Quartet
Schubert (1797 – 1828) – String Quartet No. 13 in A minor “Rosamunde”
Anders Hillborg (b. 1954) – Kongsgaard Variations
Beethoven (1770 – 1827) – String Quartet No.13 in Bb major Op.130