This year’s Kronos Festival concluded with a mix of celebration and reflection, marking the Kronos Quartet’s 50th anniversary season while bidding farewell to violist Hank Dutt, violinist John Sherba, and manager Janet Cowperthwaite. The event, held at SFJAZZ’s Miner Auditorium, featured a diverse program that highlighted the Quartet’s innovative spirit and social consciousness.
The concert began with Nicole Lizée’s Black MIDI, a playful exploration blending music and visuals, including whimsical references to its title and unconventional musical techniques like tearing newspaper and striking strings with sticks. Jonathan Berger’s Hajar Yasini followed, its poignant themes resonating through the Quartet’s emotive performance accompanied by stark images of a Jerusalem quarry.
Canadian throat singer Tanya Tagaq joined Kronos, showcasing her vocal prowess and collaborative spirit in compositions like Sivunittinni and Watchwolf, which explored social and political themes with visceral intensity. The program also featured premieres by young composers Peyton Nelesen and María E, demonstrating fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to classical forms.
The festival concluded with Active Radio, blending music with social commentary on Fred Korematsu’s legacy and civil rights. Despite its unconventional placement, the evening underscored Kronos’s commitment to musical innovation and social engagement, culminating in a powerful performance accompanying the documentary A Thousand Thoughts.
The Kronos Festival affirmed the Quartet’s legacy of pushing musical boundaries while addressing contemporary issues, promising more impactful performances in the future.
