Sybarite5 string quintet to play contemporary ‘Outliers’ music Feb. 13 at Schwab

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Sybarite5 is always on the lookout for new tunes and composers speaking with unique and relevant voices. “Outliers,” the title of the string quintet’s 2018 album and the name of its 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, concert program at Schwab Auditorium, celebrates works written for the ensemble by the musicians’ favorite composers.

Formed at the Aspen Music Festival, the New York City-based quintet features violinists Sami Merdinian and Sarah Whitney, violist Angela Pickett, cellist Laura Metcalf and bassist Louis Levitt. The ensemble made its Penn State debut in 2016.

A reviewer for Limelight, Australia’s classical music and arts magazine, describes “Outliers” as “an addictive album of surprisingly cool string quintets. … Not only are they one of the few dedicated quintet line-ups out there, over the past twelve years they have almost single-handedly rejuvenated the repertoire, commissioning new works at a rate of half a dozen per annum, from some of the most interesting voices on the U.S. contemporary music scene.”

Sybarite5, the first string quintet to win the Concert Artists Guild International Competition, performs the music of Andy Akiho, William Brittelle of Future Shock, Kenji Bunch, Shawn Conley, Michael Gilbertson, Jessica Meyer, Marc Mellits, Brandon Ridenour, Steven Snowden, Dan Visconti and Aleksandra Vrebalov.

The “Millennial Kronos,” as the ensemble has been nicknamed, pairs those selections with Armenian folk music plus songs by Astor Piazzolla and Radiohead.

The specific concert selections will be announced from the stage.

For more information, visit Center for the Performing Arts online or call 814-863-0255.

Tom and Mary Ellen Litzinger sponsor the concert. The William E. McTurk Endowment provides support.

Classical Coffeehouse

Sybarite5 also will perform music from its repertoire and engage in discussion with audience members at an informal Classical Coffeehouse concert at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, in Hintz Family Alumni Center’s Robb Hall.

Classical Coffeehouse is free for University Park students. A $10 donation is suggested for each non-student attendee. Donations help to sustain the coffeehouse series, which is presented by the Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State and the Penn State Alumni Association in partnership with the Blue & White Society, the PSU Music Service Club and the Penn State Coffee Club.

Complimentary snacks and beverages will be served at the one-hour coffeehouse. Seating is limited. Standing room is available when seating is full. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

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