Follow Me – The Ciompi Quartet & Robert Sims

Baritone Robert Sims joins the Ciompi Quartet for this free concert honoring America’s 250th anniversary, including spirituals arranged for baritone and string quartet.The evening moves from Samuel Barber’s powerful String Quartet, Op. 11 to Ben Johnston’s inventive quartet built around the hymn Amazing Grace. Music by Florence Price and Charles Ives reflects the evolving voice of American composition. The quartet is joined by acclaimed baritone Robert Sims for a set of spirituals, connecting classical repertoire with some of the deepest currents in American musical life.

Performers
Ciompi Quartet
Robert Sims – baritone

Program
Samuel Barber: String Quartet Op. 11
Ben Johnston: String Quartet No. 4 “Amazing Grace”
Mournin’ Train (Robert Sims solo)
Caroline Shaw: “I’ll Fly Away”  ( with Robert Sims baritone) 

 – Intermission –

William Billings “When Jesus Wept”
Charles Ives 1st quartet: Mvt. 1 Andante con moto
American spirituals (arr. for string quartet & baritone, with Robert Sims)
     I’ve Been in the Storm So Long – Harry T. Burleigh  (1866-1949)
     There’s A Balm in Gilead – Burleigh 

Florence Price: Two Negro Folk Songs in Counterpoint.
     Little David, Play On Yo’ Harp
     Joshua Fit de Battle ob Jericho

American spirituals (arr. for string quartet & baritone, with Robert Sims).
     I’m So Glad Trouble Don’t Last Alway – Robert Nathaniel Dett  (1882-1943)
     Follow Me – Nathaniel Dett

Presented by Duke Arts Presents. (link to event & FREE tickets)

Duke Arts
Duke Arts champions expansive, inclusive, and impactful arts programs that build meaningful connections between campus, community, and global audiences.