5 Questions with the Kronos Quartet’s David Harrington
1) What themes do you pursue in your work? How does your work comment on current social or political issues?
The overall theme of any Kronos Quartet concert is for recently composed music to guide us on a fresh exploration of the world we all share. We always hope to balance light and dark, frenzy and calm, humor and tragedy, and introspection and the outside world. If we do our work correctly, after a Kronos show, an audience member will feel that they have walked through a world that only music can create – one that has been handmade with care.
Kronos’ work has always been a movement for peace and fairness. We want to use our platform to encourage inspired solutions to problems, energize worn out imaginations, refuel exhaustion with the buoyancy of music, and point toward a world where listening leads us.
2) Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in the sounds of instruments and voices from every corner of the world, stories of courage and determination in the face of nearly impossible forces, explorations of scientists and poets, the dedication of teachers and librarians, the hidden histories that reveal our true past, and the work so many people do to make the world better.
3) What projects are you and the Kronos Quartet working on currently that excite you?
I’m excited to forge new chapters in the work of Kronos, where we use our present musical and cultural opportunities to their fullest extent. For music and the arts to be marginalized is a detriment to our society. For young people to lack cultural opportunities in our country is not only sad but also disastrous for our future. As adults and leaders, Kronos will do everything possible to create a vibrant and thriving music culture; we will accomplish this by creating even more vivid performances, recordings, and creative sites where shared community, learning and exploration are paramount.
4) The Kronos Quartet has collaborated with many artists in its 50 years. What makes the group's work with and connection to Terry Riley so enduring?
Terry Riley has been a joyful musical explorer his whole life. Now, at nearly 90 years old, he is still showing us the power that music can give us in the most trying of times. To produce the notes from Terry’s music together, with Ayane, Gabriela and Paul, is one of the highlights of my life. The new piece that Terry is writing for Kronos right now gives me the same hope and encouragement that he has given me for the last 47 years.
5) Name a few artists or works you love that everyone should check out.
I have been very fortunate to work closely with so many inspiring people. Here’s a short list of “Kronos essentials,” in my opinion: albums Nuevo and Pieces of Africa; George Crumb’s Black Angels; Nicole Lizee’s works (album to be released later this year); Laurie Anderson’s Landfall; Mary Kouyoumdjian’s WITNESS; Terry Riley’s Cadenza on the Night Plain, Salome Dances for Peace and Sun Rings; Steve Reich’s Different Trains and Aleksandra Vrebalov’s ...hold me, neighbor, in this storm….
Bonus: Do you have a lucky ritual or object that inspires you?
Before every concert, I look at each of the family photos in my violin case and try to align my energy with my love for these incredible people who give me the desire and courage to forge notes out of thin air.
