ArtsKSU: Harlem Quartet

• Ilmar Gavilán, violin
• Melissa White, violin
• Jaime Amador, viola
• Felix Umansky, cello

ArtsKSU proudly presents the New York-based Harlem Quartet. Currently quartet-in-residence at the John J. Cali School of Music and the Royal College of Music in London, the ensemble has been praised for its "panache" by The New York Times and hailed in the Cincinnati Enquirer for "bringing a new attitude to classical music, one that is fresh, bracing and intelligent." Their stylistically diverse program will feature works by artists from populations historically underrepresented in concert music: Black, Latin American, and female composers.

About Harlem Quartet

Harlem Quartet advances diversity in classical music while engaging new audiences with varied repertoire that includes works by minority composers. Their mission to share their passion with a wider audience has taken them around the world; from a 2009 performance at the White House for President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, to a highly successful tour of South Africa in 2012, and numerous venues in between. The musically versatile ensemble has performed with such distinguished artists as Itzhak Perlman, Ida Kavafian, Carter Brey, Fred Sherry, Misha Dichter, Jeremy Denk, and Paquito D'Rivera. The quartet also collaborated with jazz masters Chick Corea and Gary Burton on the album Hot House, a 2013 multi-Grammy Award winning release.

About Kennesaw State University Department of Music

https://arts.kennesaw.edu/music/index.php

About Ilmar Gavilán, violin

Cuban-American violinist Ilmar Gavilán, a native of Havana, has had a remarkable performing career that has taken him all over the world. This fascinating journey ranges from performing for world leaders such as President Obama at the White House and Queen Sofia of Spain at The Royal Palace of Madrid to performing with top stature artists of diverse styles such as Itzhak Perlman and Chick Corea.

About Melissa White, violin

American violinist Melissa White has enchanted audiences and critics around the world as both a soloist and a chamber musician. White emerges from the summer of 2022 resplendent with new achievements and milestones in a skyrocketing career that continues to span the globe.

About Jaime Amador, viola

Hailed by the Washington Post for his "sophisticated and precise playing," violist Jaime Amador has distinguished himself among the latest generation of musicians to emerge from Puerto Rico.

About Felix Umansky, cello

Praised for his "sublime" playing by Cleveland Classical, cellist Felix Umansky is a frequently sought-after recitalist, chamber musician, and pedagogue. His versatile career has taken him all over Europe and North America where he has performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls including Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lincoln Center, the Krannert Center, and the Kennedy Center.