Independence String Ensemble Benefit Concert

Cellist Steve Kramer and composer and violinist Michael Shingo Crawford, performing as the Independence String Ensemble, perform in the “Music for Good” series presented by the Philadelphia Ethical Society.  The program includes works by Richard Strauss, Handel-Halvorsen, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, Michael Shingo Crawford, and Jennifer Higdon. All proceeds from this concert will be donated to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

The Independence String Ensemble, established by cellist Steve Kramer and composer and violinist Michael Shingo Crawford, is a newly formed group which presents the highest-class performances, educational outreach, and master classes. The ensemble performs all styles and genres from the early renaissance to contemporary, and collaborates with a wide range of artists from the nation’s finest institutions.

Cellist Steve Kramer has proven to be one of the most prominent and colorful musicians of today. His silvery, singing tone, perspicacious intelligence, musical inquisitiveness and charismatic personality have led him to build memorable bridges to his audience while exploring versatile repertoire from the four corners of the world.  Kramer is the award-winning recipient of the internationally prestigious Jacob Gade Foundation’s 36th Grand Prize, and since then has collaborated with composers from all over the world, lately with Nimrod Bornstein and Jennifer Higdon.

Michael Shingo Crawford is a Philadelphia-based composer and violinist interested in exploring narrative through his music, creating representational works that correspond to concepts and concrete events and objects.  His work is inspired and informed by literature, visual art, dance, and his Japanese heritage. Michael holds a Master’s in Music Composition from Temple University. Premieres of his works have been presented by performers including the PRISM Quartet, Sound Energy Trio, and Philadelphia Orchestra Musicians.

The Independence String Ensemble is the second concert in “Music for Good” a new series of monthly concerts presented by the Philadelphia Ethical Society. Upcoming artists include flutist Chelsea Meynig with pianist Siang Ching on January 5; the Marrazza-Cart Duo of Regina DiMedio-Marrazza (piano) and Robert Cart (flute) on  March 1; vibraphonist Ethan Fisher with his jazz ensemble on April 5; and vocalist William H. Shoff on April 19.

This concert takes place on Sunday, December 15, 2019, at 3 pm, in the Philadelphia Ethical Society’s Main Auditorium, 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, 19103.  Tickets are $20, $10 students/seniors/PES members, $5 children age 14 & under.  Tickets will be available at the door and on Eventbrite.