Follow Me – The Ciompi Quartet & Robert Sims

A program honoring America’s 250th anniversary including spirituals arranged for baritone and string quartet, with guest baritone Robert Sims.

Ciompi and Baritone Robert Sims join The Rocky River Chamber Music Society in its 58th season, presenting professional chamber music concerts free and open to the public, serving the Northeast Ohio community. 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  (CQ)
William Grant Still: Lyric Quartet (CQ)
Mournin’ Train (Robert Sims solo)
Caroline Shaw: “I’ll Fly Away”  (CQ with Robert Sims baritone) 

 – Intermission –

William Billings “When Jesus Wept” (CQ)
Charles Ives 1st quartet: Mvt. 1 Andante con moto  (CQ)
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 (CQ).
     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.

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