Cavani Quartet: In tune with ‘Iolani students

Andrew Zhou
October 27, 2009
Filed under Arts & Entertainment

The Cavani Quartet visited Hawai’i for the first time last weekend for the last performance of their tour of the United States. Fortunately for the ‘Iolani orchestras, they agreed to hold a workshop in school on Friday (October 9). The quartet, originally from Cleveland, not only played for Orchestra 4 but also held classes and workshops the whole weekend, ending with a stunning performance on the following Monday (October 12).

Being a member of Orchestra 4, I can honestly say that watching the performance was both visually and melodically stunning. The first piece they performed was Dvorak’s American quartet, an amazingly vivacious and colorful symphony. According to sophomore Bridget Tobin ‘12, the quartet’s performance was “mesmerizing. Accompanied with their enthusiasm, the group was powerful and inspiring.”

Zeke Kearns ‘13, another member of Orchestra 4, said, “Seeing the energy, passion, and above all, technique, that the quartet played with inspired more than a few to soar to new heights, in subjects beyond mere music.”

The quartet is composed of four skilled musicians: a cellist, a violist, and two violinists. Annie Fullard, the first violinist, said, “Hawaii is really fun. We’ve visited every other state for our tour except for Hawaii, and just playing here feels like passing a milestone in our careers.” The quartet has been playing for about 25 years and thoroughly enjoys what they do. Merry Peckham, the cellist, described playing cello as music that becomes “part of you,” so making music is “natural and from the heart.”

Music, for the quartet, is like having a conversation, according to Mari Sato, the second violinist. “Not only does it feel like we’re communicating to each other, but it seems to really bring us together as friends and as a team.”

The quartet has been around Hawaii and enjoy going to the beach and hiking in their free time. When I suggested they go deep-sea fishing, violist Kirsten Docter laughed and said, “That sounds great! It’d be awesome to be on a boat!!”