Called a “world-wide phenomenon” by Boston’s WBUR and  described as “Boston’s popular, brilliant, conductorless chamber orchestra” by WBUR, the Grammy-nominated A Far Cry stands at the forefront of an exciting new generation in classical music. The beloved Boston-based ensemble returns to Rockport with a dynamic program that includes Golijov, Dvorák and a new commission for Juantio Becenti.

Program

GOLIJOV: Arum dem Fayer (Around the Fire), arr. string orchestra
J. MONTGOMERY: Banner
JUANTIO BECENTI: The Glittering World (new commission)
DVORÁK: American Quartet, arr. by A Far Cry for string orchestra

Read the Program Notes
“a world-wide phenomenon”
- WBUR

About A Far Cry

The self-conducted orchestra is a democracy in which decisions are made collectively and leadership rotates among the players (“Criers”). This structure has led to consistently thoughtful, innovative programming — and impactful collaborations with celebrated performers and composers. A Far Cry has risen to the top of Billboard’s Traditional Classical Chart, been named Boston’s best classical ensemble by The Improper Bostonian, and celebrated two Grammy nominations for its Visions and Variations.

A Far Cry’s omnivorous approach has led to collaborations with such artists as Yo-Yo Ma, Simone Dinnerstein, Roomful of Teeth, the Silk Road Ensemble, Vijay Iyer, and David Krakauer. Tour highlights include two new commissioning projects: Philip Glass’ third piano concerto with soloist Simone Dinnerstein, and The Blue Hour, “a gorgeous and remarkably unified work” (Washington Post) written by a collaborative of five leading female composers – Rachel Grimes, Angélica Negrón, Shara Nova, Caroline Shaw and Sarah Kirkland Snider; and featuring Grammy-winning singer Luciana Souza.

The eighteen Criers are proud to call Boston home, and maintain strong roots in the city, rehearsing at their storefront music center in Jamaica Plain and fulfilling the role of Chamber Orchestra in Residence at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Collaborating with local students through an educational partnership with the New England Conservatory, A Far Cry aims to pass on the spirit of collaboratively-empowered music to the next generation.

Additional Artist Video

A Far Cry performing Barber’s Adagio for Strings


Thank you to our Festival Corporate Partner!