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Multimedia concert celebrates SJSU's anniversary

By Heather Zimmerman

Past, present and future are interwoven in "Inspired by America," an innovative concert that is the latest event marking San Jose State University's 150th anniversary this year.

The Cypress String Quartet, SJSU artists in residence, performs "Inspired by America" Sept. 20, 7 p.m. in the Concert Hall on the SJSU campus. The concert is free to the public in honor of the sesquicentennial.

"Inspired by America" is a multimedia chamber music performance created in collaboration by the Cypress String Quartet, bestselling author Jacob Needleman and Emmy-winning documentary film producer Michael Schwarz. The program combines performances by the Cypress String Quartet with narrated sequences from Needleman's book, The American Soul, and film segments by Schwarz. Recordings of music written and performed by jazz legend Charles Mingus accompany some of these segments.

Needleman's narrative delves into American history, offering portraits of key historical figures but also exploring some the darkest periods of the nation's history. Schwarz's film segments incorporate art, photographs, film clips and more.

The Cypress String Quartet will perform a range of music by American composers, including Barber, Ives and Griffes--even a string quartet by Benjamin Franklin--and also selections from four of the quartet's own recent commissions, by top contemporary composers Jennifer Higdon, Dan Coleman, Benjamin Lees and Elena Ruehr.

"Inspired by America" had its world premiere in Kansas in January and, appropriately, has been touring the country ever since.

Admission is free; reservations are required. For reservations, call 415.392.4400 or visit www.cityboxoffice.com. For
performance information, visit www.cypressquartet.com/iba.