The Kronos Quartet's recent concert at Zankel Hall marked a vibrant return for the ensemble, featuring a diverse program influenced by jazz, rock, and Nordic folk. With a refreshed lineup of musicians, including Gabriela Diaz and Ayane Kozasa, the quartet's performance displayed emotional depth and renewed energy. Despite previous signs of an identity crisis, the ensemble continues to push musical boundaries, exemplified by their ambitious commissioning projects. The concert highlighted the potential of the new members to elevate the quartet's sound and reconnect with its audience as it approaches its 50th anniversary.
During the kaleidoscopic first half of the concert, the two women asserted themselves as the quartet's engines of emotional intensity and a newly lustrous, rich sound.
The quartet initiated a commissioning project, 50 for the Future, and made the sheet music to all 50 pieces available free online.
Instead, Harrington brought in fresh talent and judging by the music-making on Friday—strong personalities. The quartet's middle voices now belong to the violinist Gabriela Diaz and the violist Ayane Kozasa.
Kozasa channeled Nina Simone's tough-nosed tenderness in Jacob Garchik’s ‘Daniella’s Song’, establishing a strong emotional connection with the audience.
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