Contributing Writer/ Juliana Mink
On Feb. 23, the Samford String Quartet performed a beautiful set at Brock Recital Hall with audience members attending both in person and virtually.
The quartet, made up of Jeffrey Flaniken, violist Angela Flaniken, cellist Samuel Nordlund, and violinist Caroline Nordlund, performed along with soprano Angela Yoon and pianist Jason Terry.
For this particular recital, the performers have been rehearsing since August.
“We rehearse two times a week, for two hours, as well as private practicing,” Jeffrey Flaniken, a violinist for the Quartet, said.
Their hard work was rewarded with a brilliant performance: Each of the pieces was passionately played and swelled with emotion, going from slow melancholic melodies, to tense, upbeat notes in seconds.
Their performance also displayed how connection is a key aspect in music.
“Our unity is such a part of our expressiveness,” said Angela Flaniken.
This network of communication is achieved primarily through listening.
“Playing in a string quartet perks up a person’s ear,” said Jeffrey Flaniken, “you have to listen.”
Their example invites audience members to listen to music with an open mind, ready to receive what their artistry has to offer.
“We want to make many colors and sounds with our wooden instruments that haven’t changed for 400 years,” said Angela Flaniken.
Classical music and chamber music is not antiquated or irrelevant. It exemplifies connection and the art of listening well. And it expresses emotions and ideas that stretch across history.
“It’s very much alive,” said Angela Flaniken, and very much worth people’s time.
