Latin Grammy-winning string quartet coming to Gallo Center

MODESTO -- A performance keyed to music appreciation will come to the stage Friday at the Gallo Center for the Arts.

Cuarteto Latinoamericano, a string quartet, will play a range of modern and classical pieces presented in tandem with music appreciation courses at Modesto Junior College.

The second in an ongoing series, this event follows a fall performance by the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, playing Renaissance, Baroque and modern pieces.

MJC music Professor Alejandro Sabre said he and fellow music department instructors began the series after realizing classical performances in the area were dwindling.

"We're trying to revive a tradition," Sabre said. "We have amazing choirs and magnificent churches here. We're looking for ways to bring that to the community."

Bringing the community and college together to support classical performances seemed a serendipitous fit for his classes. "It doesn't get any better than (live performance). So much better than playing a CD in class," he said.

Liner notes printed on the program offer students and community members in-depth information about the musical offerings. Some performers also offer commentary.

Sabre said the musical groups took a reduced rate to make the performances happen at more student-friendly prices. Plans are under way for a classical pianist to play the next series installment in the fall.

This week's musical group, Cuarteto Latinoamericano, is composed of violist Javier Montiel and three Bitrán brothers, violinists Saúl and Arón and cellist Alvaro. The quartet won the 2012 Latin Grammy Award for best classical album for its recording of "Brasileiro: Works of Francisco Mignone."

The night's program will include selections by Héitor Villa-Lobos, Franz Schubert, Arturo Márquez, Francisco Mignone and Alexander Borodin.

Cuarteto Latinoamericano will perform at 8 p.m. Friday at the Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St. Tickets are $15, $25 and $35, available at www.galloarts.org, by calling (209) 338-2100, or at the venue ticket office.

Bee education reporter Nan Austin can be reached at naustin@modbee.com or (209) 578-2339. Find her on Twitter @NanAustin, or at www.modbee.com/education.