Bartók Rebórn

Icarus Quartet reimagines Bartók’s iconic Sonata for two pianos and percussion alongside bold contemporary responses

Nearly a century after Béla Bartók shattered expectations with his Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion, the Icarus Quartet returns to this explosive work with a bold question: What does Bartók’s legacy sound like today?

In Bartók Rebórn, three leading contemporary composers respond to Bartók’s landmark score, creating a program that refracts the original through new musical languages and perspectives. Expect an evening of rhythmic electricity, fearless virtuosity, and a fascinating musical conversation spanning nearly 100 years.

The program centers on Bartók’s iconic Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion, a work that fundamentally reshaped chamber music by pairing keyboards with percussion in electrifying ways. Surrounding it are companion works commissioned to reflect on its impact.

PROGRAM:

Béla Bartók – Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion
Witold Lutosławski – Variations on a Theme by Paganini

--INTERMISSION--

Martin Bresnick – Hagyaték (Legacy)
Viet Cuong – Cloak of Night
Jennifer Higdon – Turbo Shift (A Crafter’s Workshop)

Originally commissioned by Wake Forest University’s Secrest Artist Series, this program premiered in 2024 to a sold-out hall and glowing praise for its virtuosic energy and expressive power. Now concertnova brings this thrilling re-imagining to Cincinnati.

Program Note:

This performance replaces the originally scheduled Cincinnati Sandbox program featuring Sandbox Percussion, Kristin Lee, a new work by Vivian Fung, and the Heavy Metal Marching Band. The Cincinnati Sandbox project will be rescheduled for Fall 2026 as part of concertnova’s 20th season. Ticketholders for Cincinnati Sandbox have automatically had their tickets transferred to this program instead.

Location: Cohen Family Studio Theater - 290 CCM Blvd, Cincinnati, OH 45221