Transfigured Night

Pegasus String Quartet Returns to Dr. Phillips Center for the 4th Year!

Join us for an unforgettable evening of chamber music as the Pegasus String Quartet, UCF’s premier graduate string ensemble, returns to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for the fourth consecutive year.

Program Highlights:

In the first half, we’ll present String Quartet No. 1 by Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos, known for his innovative fusion of traditional European forms with Brazilian folk elements. This will be followed by one of Mozart’s most celebrated quartets, the String Quartet No. 19 in C Major, K. 465, commonly known as the “Dissonance” Quartet. Mozart’s exploration of harmonic ambiguity and bold sonorities in this piece offers a fascinating contrast to Villa-Lobos’ vibrant and dynamic style.

The second half features a collaboration with two esteemed guest artists: David Bjella, UCF faculty member, and Tyler Pacheco, professor at Valencia College. Together, we will perform Verklärte Nacht (“Transfigured Night”) by Arnold Schoenberg. Inspired by Richard Dehmel’s poem of the same name, this lush, deeply expressive string sextet marks Schoenberg’s early mastery before his development of the 12-tone technique. It’s a tonal work rich in chromaticism, influenced by the German Romanticism of Brahms and Wagner, and characterized by its intricate harmonic language.

Throughout the program, we explore a common theme: pushing boundaries. Each piece challenges traditional notions of tonality, rhythm, and style, offering fresh perspectives within the chamber music repertoire.

We look forward to sharing this compelling journey of musical innovation with you. Don’t miss it!