The Memory Project 2014

QUINTET HAS NEA GRANT for MEMORY PROJECT STAGE 2!

In September of 2012 the Quintet launched the Memory Project, resulting in our commissioning three new pieces based on the memories of senior citizens. Building on this extremely successful and meaningful project we are now launching our next Memory Project for fall 2014. We have a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts which must be matched 1:1. This time we are commissioning Colombian-American composer Harold Gutierrez to write two new works. One will be based on and inspired by interviews with Latino seniors in Queens and one work will be based on the stories of the immigrant parents of orchestral students in the "El Sistema" program in Corona, Queens. Videos of these interviews will be included as the visual part of the new works. These works will be premiered later in the 2014-2015 season. (Watch for invitations!)

As we move into the next stage of the Memory Project we will be expanding outreach, taking the Quintet to a higher level of service, and expanding our audiences and programs. Please help us reach our goals with this project!

We're most of the way there. We need another $4,000 to make the match - Please help us secure this funding from the National Endowment for the Arts - Make a gift now

The Memory Project, is bringing seniors closer to the artists and letting them feel a part of the creation of the new works. Getting to know their stories, we have developed a stronger bond with our special audience of seniors. They, in turn, have had the opportunity to form a bond with a composer. They are as excited as we are to hear the new works - "their new works" - and we hope you will join us for the premiere next season as well!

See an interview at Chamber Music America

Flutist Karla Moe and composer Carl MaultsBy conducting interviews at Elm-Cor Senior Center in September 2012

See more photos from the first memory project

We have reached a new level of interactive service and now we just need the funding to complete the commissions and reach the match for our grant. With this support, we are:

• Forming new bonds with the seniors we serve
• Engaging seniors in a new way with contemporary works
• Bringing works by a living composer to seniors, young orchestral students, recent immigrants, and other under-served audiences in their local neighborhoods in Queens
• Completing the commission of two new works based on the lives and memories of senior audience members and recent immigrants
• Bringing special workshops to students in the El Sistema program of Corona, Queens that introduce them to composing and involve them in a new piece by Harold Gutierrez

We count on you during this exciting time of growth. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming concerts of the Memory Project and at our series of concerts next season!

Please click here to make a contribution. OR you may mail your check made out to "Quintet of the Americas"

to: Quintet of the Americas
c/o Oldham
116 St. Marks Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Thank you so much for your past and continued support!

Barbara Oldham
Director