ETHEL and Grammy-winner Mirabal to perform in Greencastle

Tuesday, September 30, 2014
The New York-based string ensemble ETHEL will collaborate with Grammy Award-winning Native American flutist Robert Mirabal and The DePauw Chamber Singers for the Green Concert at 8 pm. Thursday in Kresge Auditorium. (Courtesy photo)

Continuing a successful six-year collaboration, the cutting-edge string quartet ETHEL and Native American flutist Robert Mirabal, a three-time Grammy Award winner, will present the next evolution of the cross-cultural concert experience in the second Green Guest Artist Concert of the season at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 in Kresge Auditorium.

Acclaimed by The New York Times as "extraordinarily skilled, passionate musicians," the New York-based ensemble, founded in 1998, features Kip Jones and Terna Watstein on violin and co-founders Ralph Farris and Dorothy Lawson on viola and cello.

Mirabal, who resides in the sacred Taos Mountains of New Mexico, has been described as a "Native American 'Renaissance man'" for his interests in many art forms -- music, poetry, instrument building, acting and screenwriting -- as well as his vocations as a horseman and a farmer.

His dozen records, which the flutist says are informed by the ceremonial music that he's heard all his life, are also influenced by the music of Asia, Africa and The Caribbean. The combination of these traditions, which include Native American song, rock and roll, and spoken word, taps into a style that defies categorization.

In addition to its multidimensional repertoire, the group is heavily focused on educational outreach and community involvement, addressing in particular the need for healing and inspiration through music. One of the ensemble's projects, "Music of the Sun," which will be presented Thursday night in collaboration with the DePauw Chamber Singers, was created with Mirabal.

To prepare for the concert, Farris will work with the choir on Wednesday, rehearsing a group of pieces that he composed, titled "The Solstice Suite." Upon arriving in Greencastle, Mirabal will also teach the student performers one of his songs, "Voices of the Sun."

General admission tickets to the Green Guest Artist Concert are $10 in advance and $15 the day of the event. Tickets for seniors, children and all students are free.

For information, ticket purchases or assistance, persons may visit the Green Center box office (Sun.-Thurs. 12--4 p.m. and 6--8 p.m., and Friday 12--4 p.m.) or www.depauw.edu/music/tickets, or call 658-4827.

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