The Harlem Quartet formed in 2006 after the members won first prize in a competition by Detroit’s Sphinx Organization. That nonprofit — in its mission to promote diversity in classical music — named the newly commissioned group after the historied neighborhood where early performances would take place. Notably, Harlem’s inner-city schoolchildren were the listeners that coerced a jazz side out of the otherwise polished classical musicians. Their online bio reads: “What started as a tool to be more accessible to the kids developed into a true affinity for jazz … to the point that it shaped our artistic identity.” The band links this “stylistically bilingual quality” with its receipt of a 2013 Grammy Award for the song “Mozart Goes Dancing.” The masterful artists perform at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville on Sunday, May 1, at 4 p.m. $38. ashevillechambermusic.org. Photo courtesy of the band
Smart bets: The Harlem Quartet
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.