Under the flicker of candlelight at the historic Masonic Temple in Waterloo, Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center (GBPAC) will present a new “Candlelight Concert” series featuring the student-led Petrichord String Quartet on Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m..
First formed in 2021 with violinists Emma Becker, Lauren Geerlings, cellist Turner Sperry and violist Julian Perez, the student group has expanded their repertoire as well as their reach into the Cedar Valley community over the past couple of years. The quartet is partnering with GBPAC and the Youth Art Team to present this notably unique concert to the community.
Jennifer Onuigbo, the community relations manager for GBPAC, said the inspiration for this concert came from a gap in intimate performances in the area. “These events have been happening worldwide in spaces like cathedrals and centuries-old opera houses, but until now, never in the Cedar Valley,” Onuigbo said. “It’s an immersive experience, and it is as much about the space and candlelight as it is the exceptional music.”
According to Geerlings, the audience can expect an “intimate setting illuminated by hundreds of candles while enjoying a 75 minute program of classical and popular works.” In addition to the stunning setting, the quartet is planning on playing a variety of music to catch any music lover’s ear – from classical to contemporary pop music.
“The specific music you can expect to hear will feature Haydn’s String Quartet No. 5 Opus 76 which we have been working on since the start of the school year, as well as some pieces we played when we were a newer ensemble like the first movement of Grieg’s Quartet No. 1 Opus 27,” Becker said. “Then, of course, we’ll have more recognizable pop songs.”
Geerlings added, “We wanted to create a program with composers from both genres who all challenged their respective genres. We will be featuring works from Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Edvard Grieg, Joe Hisaishi, Joseph Haydn, Maroon 5 and more.”
The quartet has been preparing for the concert diligently since the summer, and hopes the program will entertain as well as inspire concert-goers.
“We know we are putting in the time with each piece on our set list so that it is the best it can be,” Becker said.
Geerlings also noted how grateful the quartet is to everyone involved in the promotion and planning of this event, as well as to her fellow quartet members.
“I feel so honored to work with such a hard working group of young artists,” Geerlings said. “The amount of time and effort put in by each member of the quartet is truly remarkable, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group to work with and create beautiful music with.”
