Harlem Quartet and Aldo López-Gavilán (Piano Quintet)

“Schumann’s quintet—one of the cornerstones of the chamber repertoire—was given a reading that infused the familiar work with new vitality. In particular, the ‘Allegro brillante’ moved with brisk energy, and felt fresh for such an oft-performed work.” —EarRelevant

“After intermission came music that was not so familiar — highlighting the fusion of classical form, Cuban rhythms, and jazz-inflected harmonies that characterizes his work.” —EarRelevant

Sample Program:

Robert SCHUMANN: Piano Quintet in E-flat Major, op. 44
Aldo LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN: Epilogo
Aldo LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN: Viernes de Ciudad
Aldo LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN: Eclypse
Aldo LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN: Pan con Timba
Billy STRAYHORN: Take the A Train (arr. Harlem Quartet and Aldo Lopez-Gavilan)

PROJECTS & COLLABORATIONS

Passion for Bach and Coltrane(String Quartet + Wind Quintet + Jazz Trio + Orator)

“Spellman and the 12 musicians deserve (the ovation). The five members of Imani Winds and the four members of the Harlem Quartet do not function as units in cooperation or competition, but rather serve together as a pocket-sized chamber orchestra to give (Jeff) Scott the instrumental colors he needs to realize his ideas.” —ArtsFuse

“…the eight-movement piece was more thoroughly infused with Coltrane’s work, which allowed stupendous improvisations from the musicians.” —Oregon ArtsWatch