NYSL Presents the Phoenix Quartet Concert Songs of War and Peace 5/1

The New York Society Library is pleased to present the Phoenix Quartet in their acclaimed concert "Songs of War and Peace." The event takes place Sunday, May 1, at 3:00 pm at the New York Society Library, 53 East 79th Street (just east of Madison Avenue, 6 train to 77th Street).

The cost is $20 per person with advance registration, or $25 at the door. Reservations can be made at http://nyslphoenixquartet.eventbrite.com/ or by contacting the Events Office at events@nysoclib.org or

212-288-6900 x230.

This event is generously supported by the Estate of Marian O. Naumburg.

The Phoenix Quartet is dedicated to enriching audiences by performing music composed or arranged for vocal quartet, commissioning new music for vocal quartet, and conducting educational outreach. In this moving presentation, they will perform classical, traditional, and contemporary works reflecting the wide range of emotions that stem from turmoil and peace, both inner and outer, drawn from or inspired by times of major strife in our country. Texts are drawn from poets such as Sara Teasdale and Walt Whitman and musical sources cover many eras of American history including spirituals and World War II popular music.

Founded in 2002, the Phoenix Quartet has performed with the Hudson Valley Wind Symphony, in the Christ Chapel Chamber Series of the Riverside Church, in the Trinity Wall Street Concerts at One series, and in Park Avenue United Methodist's Second Sunday Series. It gave the world premier of Richard Pearson Thomas's Ascension in 2004 and also premiered K. Scott Warren's "Four Negro Spirituals," included in "Songs of War and Peace." More information is available on their website, http://phoenixquartet.homestead.com.

Of their work, they say, "Vocal music is an especially powerful form of communication with a unique power to create community. Throughout its rich cultural history, and directly because of its blending of poetry and melody, vocal music has had a place in all celebrations-to herald new life, mourn the passing of life, Mark Holidays, and explore the human condition."

The New York Society Library was founded in 1754 and is the city's oldest library. In the eighteenth century, an organization labeled "Society" meant that it was open to all-available to everyone throughout society. The Library today is open to all for reading, reference, and selected events, with circulation and other services by subscription. The beautiful landmarked building dates from 1917 and includes reading rooms, spaces for study, stacks, and the Assunta, Ignazio, Ada and Romano Peluso Exhibition Gallery. The Library has approximately 275,000 volumes and hosts a variety of special events, reading groups, and workshops, as well as the New York City Book Awards.

Information on the Library and its history can be found at www.nysoclib.org.