The Fredericton Public Library gave visitors a different offering on Sept. 28. The library welcomed a classical music performance from the Saint John String Quartet for the community to enjoy.
The band does four free concerts annually at the library. They do it especially for families who want to enjoy an introduction to classical music percussion.
“These concerts are made for kids,” said Nadia Francavilla, second violinist. “So it’s great that they run around and that’s where they can actually do this.”
The concert program included storytelling accompanied by music. Peter Sametz, the managing director of Symphony New Brunswick, acted as the narrator, while the string quartet complemented the story. During the concert, kids listened while playing and enjoying their time at the library.
“They are listening amongst the chaos,” said Dani Sametz. “They are absorbing and they often come up and want to touch our instruments and it’s really lovely. It’s a special place to have a concert.”
The quartet, now composed of Dani Sametz, violinist; Nadia Francavilla, violinist; Stephen Mott, violist; and Chris Yoon, cellist, tries to maintain the core and tradition the original quartet built when it started in 1987.
“A lot of work goes into it and we have the passion for it,” said Sametz. “And so when we have concerts like this, where people are so happy and enthusiastic, it makes all of that effort worth it.”
Although composed of new members, Sametz said that the quartet has trained for a long time, overcoming obstacles together and learning from their mutual growth as a team.
The band performs several concerts around the province, mainly in the three major cities: Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton. They offer school concerts, symphony concerts, library shows and community events.
“’Do you think you could play a tune at our fundraiser?’ We often will go,” said Sametz.
Last year, the quartet hosted a fundraiser to help a group that supports fleeing Ukrainians moving to New Brunswick.
“It was incredibly successful and a wonderful event,” said Sametz.
The quartet agreed that New Brunswick is a welcoming province to anyone wanting to join the community.
“It’s such a welcoming space for any newcomers to the region and music kind of goes above any language barrier,” said Sametz.
The Saint John String Quartet’s next project is an original score for a silent film coming to the Fredericton Playhouse on Oct. 24. This score was composed by their bass player, Andrew Miller.
