California-based pianist and Grammy Award winner Gloria Cheng has a reputation for not only technically and artistically polished performances, but also for programming illuminating concerts which explore connections between composers and a range of compositional styles. Joined by the Calder Quartet, Cheng performs an evocative program at (Le) Poisson Rouge on January 5 featuring the works of Thomas Adès, Kaija Saariaho, Daniel Strong Godfrey, Claude Vivier, Pierre Boulez, Olivier Messiaen and Igor Stravinsky.

The adventurous Calder Quartet is an obvious partner for Cheng's musical personality. It is quickly garnering notoriety as a group that can do anything from tackle the pillars of the string quartet repertoire -- evident in their recent Bartok cycle performances -- to perform with the indie band Airborne Toxic Event on The Late Show with David Letterman.

Rooted in contemporary music, the Calders have cultivated a longstanding relationship with British composer, Thomas Adès, featuring his set of miniatures, Arcadiana on their first album release and working further with the composer at Walt Disney Concert Hall and in Stockholm at the Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra's Konserhuset. It is only fitting that in this (L)PR performance, the Calders and Gloria Cheng join forces to perform Adès' monumental Piano Quintet as the grand finale to an exciting evening of New Music.

Don't forget to poke around the Q2 Live Concert archive for more exciting live performances at your fingertips. You can access Q2 24/7 through our pop-out audio player or iTunes. (L)PR’s Technical Director is Richie Clarke and this concert was mixed by Noriko Okabe.

Program

Claude Vivier: Pianoforte*

Kaija Saariaho: Ballade and Prelude

Pierre Boulez: Une page d'éphéméride*

Olivier Messiaen: from Eight Préludes

The Dove, The Impalpable Sounds of Dreams, Bells of Anguish and Tears of Farewell, A Reflection in the Wind

Daniel Strong Godfrey: Night Walk*

Igor Stravinsky: Three Pieces for String Quartet

Thomas Adès: Piano Quintet

*NY premiere