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The Arts Intel Report

A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler

A Far Cry

July 6, 2021
Terrace Dr. Near, W 72nd St, New York, NY 10019, United States

The self-conducted orchestra A Far Cry positions itself as “a democracy in which decisions are made collectively and leadership rotates among the players.” Innovation and adventure being its stock-in-trade, the Grammy-nominated ensemble has studded its roster of collaborators with such kindred spirits as the vocal band Roomful of Teeth, the Silk Road Ensemble, and Yo-Yo Ma (Grammy winners all). The eclectic playlist on this occasion showcases, among others, the “Black Mozart” Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, represented by his Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat Major, Op. 13, No. 1 (possibly a forerunner of Mozart’s celebrated Sinfonia Concertante, K. 364). Bologne isn’t the only composer and violin virtuoso of color on the program: listen also for music of the New York native Jessie Montgomery, whose work is frequently paired with Bologne’s these days. —M.G.