(This Community Post was written by Arlington Philharmonic: Crescendo and underwritten by Embracing Arlington Arts.)
Since September, Crescendo has been meeting virtually each Monday for interactive coaching, conversation and collaboration. Although quite different from traditional meetings — usually four youth musicians form a string quartet and rehearse with a coach each week in preparation for live performances — the content online has been an engaging, elevated musical experience that the twenty-seven members in grades 7-12 look forward to every week.
The virtual performance premieres on Arlington Philharmonic’s YouTube Channel on December 15, and is a montage of the eight different string quartets performing the first movement of Mendelssohn’s triumphant String Quartet 3 in D Major, all separately recorded from their homes. The video is artfully compiled by Matt Richardson, a violinist with 9th Street Quartet, Crescendo’s Quartet-in-Residence.
Crescendo, the only dedicated chamber music program for youth in the D.C. Metro area, is in its sixth season. Musicians are coached in techniques including ensemble leadership, sound development, and a refined sense of peer communication and collaboration. In addition to weekly coaching led by the 9th Street Quartet and other top area professionals, the Crescendo experience includes multiple performances and guest artist sessions.
Founded in 2006, the Arlington Philharmonic is a professional symphony orchestra. The Philharmonic is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. In the 2020-21 season the Arlington Philharmonic is committed to providing entertaining virtual content every month.