Get Your Kicks: An American Story - Verona Quartet with Ben Bliss

Described as an "outstanding ensemble... cohesive yet full of temperament" by The New York Times, the Verona Quartet is a trailblazing force in the world of chamber music. Currently serving as the Quartet-in-Residence at Oberlin Conservatory and Artistic Directors at Nova Scotia’s Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance, this acclaimed quartet has captivated audiences across four continents. Known for their bold interpretations and engaging performances, they bring storytelling to life through music.

With a reputation for creative ingenuity and cross-cultural collaborations, the Verona Quartet embodies the spirit of storytelling and innovation, bringing classical music to audiences worldwide.

Highlights of the Evening:

• Route 66 through Music

Kicking things off with Nat King Cole’s timeless classic, "Get Your Kicks on Route 66," the evening sets the stage with a celebration of America’s historic highway.

• American Jazz and Swing Favorites

Enjoy beloved tunes like Benny Goodman’s "Where or When," Glen Miller’s "Chattanooga Choo Choo," and Duke Ellington’s "Cotton Club Stomp” arranged for a string quartet.

• Folk and Roots Inspirations

Immerse yourself in Rhiannon Giddens’ powerful "At the Purchaser’s Option,” exploring themes of resilience and hope, alongside works tied to Native American history, igniting a connection to America's diverse roots.

• British Elegance with an American Twist

A delightful interlude featuring sonnets by Edmund Rubbra and pieces from England’s musical past, including Arnold Bax and Peter Warlock classics.

• Smooth Ballads to Close the Night

End the evening with melodies like Peggy Lee’s "Be Anything (But Be Mine),” Mel Tormé’s "I Concentrate on You," and Nat King Cole’s "Stardust," performed by tenor Ben Bliss and the Verona Quartet.

Special Guest – Ben Bliss:

Highly praised for his “dramatically charged performances” (Oregon ArtsWatch) and celebrated role in The Rake’s Progress at the Metropolitan Opera, tenor Ben Bliss joins the Quartet for this incredible program. Hailed as a “truly exceptional tenor” by the National Review, Ben is quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting performers on today’s operatic stage, both in his native America and internationally. Ben has been cited as “an exemplar of the Mozartean tenor” for his “purity of tone, vocal control and artistic sensitivity” (Opera Warhorses).

Ben was a 2021 recipient of the Metropolitan Opera’s prestigious Beverly Sills Award. His numerous other accolades include the 2016 Martin E. Segal award at the Lincoln Center, the Mozart and Plácido Domingo awards at the 2015 Francisco Viñas International Competition, first prize at the 2014 Gerda Lissner and Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation competitions, and the 2013 Operalia Don Plácido Domingo Sr. Zarzuela prize.

Ben’s 24/25 season includes two roles at the Metropolitan Opera - a debut as Eric in Jeanine Tesori's new opera Grounded, and Tamino in Die Zauberflöte. Ben also returns to the Opéra national de Paris as Tom Rakewell in The Rake's Progress by Stravinsky, and will perform the role of Jupiter in Handel's Semele for his house debuts at both the Royal Opera House and the Théâtre des Champs Elysées. Concert engagements include performances with the Metropolitan Opera and Yannick Nézet-Séguin at Carnegie Hall, as well as with the Chamber Music Society Lincoln Center.

This concert is open seating by section. For best savings, consider purchasing a Tutti Ticket. See "Box Office Info" page on the website for more details.

Artist website: https://www.veronaquartet.com/

Artist website: https://www.benblisstenor.com/