The University's Ensemble-in-Residence, Quatuor Diotoma, participates in a lunchtime discussion, including a small performance by the acclaimed string quartet. The presentation, titled "The Illusion of Folklore," explores why Janacek, Bartok and Ligeti (also Britten and Stravinsky) did not limit themselves to an arrangement of popular culture, either their own or those of others. The question of the right of the composer to create new material from all cultures in his or her own language is also discussed, along with a nod to the polemics around Robert Lepage and his production of “Kanata” with Ariane Mnouchkine.

The Quatuor Diotima is one of the most in-demand chamber ensembles in the world today; it was formed in 1996 by graduates of the Paris national conservatory (Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris).

The quartet’s name evokes a double musical significance: Diotima is at once an allegory of German romanticism – Friederich Hölderlin gives the name to the love of his life in his novel Hyperion – and a rallying cry for the music of our time, brandished by Luigi Nono in his composition Fragmente-Stille, an Diotima.

Please note that the main entrance to International House is currently for residents only. Attendees should use the door on S Dorchester Ave to enter.

International House is complying with all University guidelines on the Go Forward website and at this time, masks are required to be worn by unvaccinated and vaccinated attendees inside International House. This convening is open to all invitees regardless of vaccination status and, because of ongoing health risks to the unvaccinated, those who are unvaccinated are expected to adopt the risk mitigation measures advised by public health officials (masking and social distancing, etc.). Public convening may not be safe for all and carries a risk for contracting COVID-19, particularly for those unvaccinated. Participants will not know the vaccination status of others, including venue staff, and should follow appropriate risk mitigation measures.

This event is co-sponsored by the International House Global Voices Performing Arts Series, the University of Chicago Department of Music, and UChicago Presents.

The Illusion of Folklore: A Conversation with Quatuor Diotima