Modern Classics

Osvaldo Golijov has composed and conducted everything from klezmer music to modern-day folk pieces. At 45, he's part of a new wave of classical musicians who are equally skilled at writing operas, symphonic works, and music that echoes the traditions of his Jewish forefathers.

At tonight's Musical Alchemy performance, the Argentina-born conductor leads the St. Lawrence Quartet through a program of world, chamber, and classical music. "He makes it all work," says Massoud Saidpour, who organized the show. "Sometimes, from someone else, it can be like patchwork. In his hands, these various genres meld together."

Golijov has a perfect match in the St. Lawrence Quartet, a group of string players in their 20s who have more in common with Radiohead than Beethoven. "This is a very spontaneous quartet," says Saidpour. "This is not stuffy music."
Sat., May 6, 7:30 p.m.