Sheng: 'Miraculous' with the Emersons

1st November 2007

The renowned Emerson String Quartet premiered Bright Sheng's String Quartet No. 5, "The Miraculous"' at Stony Brook University's Staller Center for The Arts on 18 October. Stony Brook University, Stanford Lively Arts, the University of Washington World Series, and the Musical Society at the University of Michigan were all co-commissioners of the quartet.

The premiere was part of a year-long project marking the 50th anniversary of Stony Brook University and celebrating the creation and performance of contemporary performance at the University. The project, "Stony Brook Premieres!," is funded by a grant from the New York State Music Fund.

Sheng said he dedicated his new work to the Emerson String Quartet in recognition of the "miraculous" virtuosity and passion of each of its members. Sheng also took inspiration for the piece from the compositional genius of Bela Bartok's Miraculous Mandarin Suite.

String Quartet No. 5 is based on two different musical motifs, "like two strangers from different cultural backgrounds who meet and become fast lovers," Sheng explained. "Throughout their courtship, neither of them changes but they get to know and understand each other on a much deeper level. Most importantly, they learn to happily live with each other."Photo: Sheng and the Emersons celebrate following the premiere.