Fragments – Alisa Weilerstein, cello

• Alisa Weilerstein, cello

Johann Sebastian Bach — Selected works
Courtney Bryan — Selected works
Gabriel Kahane — Selected works
Matthias Pintscher — Selected works
Missy Mazzoli — Selected works
Michi Wiancko — Selected works

Lauded for her deep musical insight, technical brilliance, and creative authority, Washington Performing Arts friend and MacArthur "Genius" Award recipient Alisa Weilerstein returns with her innovative, theatrical new project, "Fragments." Weilerstein conceived of and has collaborated with 27 composers representing nine nationalities and varied musical styles to create a unique arc that intersperses movements of Bach cello suites with 10-minute fragments of newly commissioned works. This world-premiere matinee performance features a mix of Bach and 18 short movements from works by Courtney Bryan, Gabriel Kahane, Johann Sebastian Bach, Matthias Pintscher, Missy Mazzoli, and Paul Wiancko.

The New York Times writes, "This project is intended to reimagine what a cello recital can be, to challenge some of the conventions that Weilerstein thinks might inhibit a listener’s immediate response to the music, and to add layers of theatricality to the arguably staid traditions of the concert hall, in an acceptance that a musician is, after all, performing on a stage."

Washington Performing Arts is a co-commissioner of "Fragments." The 7:30pm performance of Fragments features different repertoire in its D.C. premiere and is the second-annual Ruth Bader Ginsburg Memorial Recital—an annual Washington Performing Arts's performance to honor a dear friend of Washington Performing Arts, elevating new work of both established and renowned artists.

Due to the nature of the performance, there is absolutely no late seating.

This performance is 60 minutes, no intermission.

Washington Performing Arts is committed to ensuring visitors of all abilities can experience the performances and programs we present. We partner with our venues to ensure accommodations are available. For specific questions about accessibility at our Kennedy Center events, please visit https://www.kennedy-center.org/visit/accessibility or contact us at patronservices@washingtonperformingarts.org.

About Washington Performing Arts (D.C.)

https://www.washingtonperformingarts.org/

About Alisa Weilerstein, cello

https://alisaweilerstein.com/