SPECIAL EVENTS AND PUBLIC PROGRAMS

A Discussion of Music and Cultural Power

(L to r) Gary Giddins, Vijay Iyer, Greg Tate, and DJ Rekha

Photos by Nick Loomis

Cultural Power: Music featured a conversation with Vijay Iyer, acclaimed jazz pianist and composer, and DJ Rekha, who has pioneered a unique blend of bhangra (traditional music from South Asia) and hip-hop. Greg Tate, an influential essayist and journalist known for his writings on art, music, and culture, served as moderator. Introductions were provided by renowned music critic Gary Giddins, Visiting Lecturer in American Studies at The Graduate Center. The event, which took place in the Baisley Powell Elebash Recital Hall, was a continuation of the Great Issues Forum. The Forum examines critical issues of our time through a single thematic lens; this year's theme was Power.

Music in Midtown Welcomes the Orion String Quartet

(L to r) Daniel Phillips, Todd Phillips, Timothy Eddy, Steven Tenenbom

Photo by A. Poyo

The Orion String Quartet, one of the country's most sought-after ensembles, performed in the Baisley Powell Elebash Recital Hall during The Graduate Center's Music in Midtown concert series. Known for juxtaposing classic works with works by contemporary composers, the Quartet played pieces by Hugo Wolf and Felix Mendelssohn, as well as the New York City premiere of Astral Quartet by David Dzubay. The group consists of Daniel Phillips (violin), Todd Phillips (violin), Timothy Eddy (cello) and Steven Tenenbom (viola).