ArcoStrum

Embark on a truly groundbreaking musical journey with The ArcoStrum Experience – a multi-instrumental, genre-defying showcase that seamlessly intertwines the contemporary Tango mastery of Piazzolla and the timeless classics of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. This innovative performance fuses the rich tapestry of Chinese traditional folk music, featuring the mesmerizing sounds of the dizi and erhu, with classical and electric guitar. Enter the realm of American instrumental rock by Polyphia, creating a harmonious blend of diverse musical landscapes. Immerse yourself in this extraordinary fusion, where high-impact visuals, humor, compelling stories, and dazzling virtuosity come together to captivate you from the opening note to the finale. The ArcoStrum Experience promises a one-of-a-kind concert, transcending boundaries and celebrating the evolution of music across genres and eras.

Instruments: Violin, Classical Guitar, Electric guitar, Erhu (Chinese two-string fiddle), Flute Dizi (Chinese bamboo flute), Piccolo Dizi (Chinese bamboo flute).

Special Bonus Feature!

Join the Museum’s Associate Curator Bryant Small for a walking tour of the outdoor sculpture exhibition, Common Ground: NJ Artists Think Monumental. This tour is only available to July 11 Back Deck ticketholders and takes place from 5:30-6:15 PM prior to concert check-in.
The tour begins at the front entrance of the museum. The route is accessible, with some uneven terrain. Check-in for the concert begins at 6:30 PM.

Musicians

• Strauss Shi – violin, erhu, dizi
• TY Zhang – classical guitar, electric guitar

Program

• ArcoStrum, Opening (2024)
• Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992), Primavera Porteña (Buenos Aires Spring) (1969), arr. ArcoStrum
• Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992), Invierno Porteño (Buenos Aires Winter), (1969), arr. ArcoStrum
• Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741), Summer from The Four Seasons, (1723), arr. ArcoStrum
  I. Allegro non molto
• Zhihui Li (b. 1972), Ink Orchid Pavilion (2011), arr. ArcoStrum
• Haihuai Huang (1935-1967), Horse Racing (1959), arr. ArcoStrum
• Polyphia, Playing God (2022), arr. ArcoStrum

Intermission

• Radamés Gnattali (1906-1988), Suite Retratos, (1958), arr. ArcoStrum
  IV. Chiquinha Gonzaga (Corta Jaca)
• Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757), Keyboard Sonata, K. 141 (1739), arr. ArcoStrum
• John Williams (b. 1932), Theme from Schindler’s List (1993), arr. ArcoStrum
• Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741), Summer from The Four Seasons, (1723), arr. ArcoStrum
  III. Presto
• Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992), Nightclub 1960 from The History of Tango (1969), arr. ArcoStrum
• Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741), Winter from The Four Seasons, (1723), arr. David Galvez
  I. Allegro non molto
• Katona Twin, Michael Jackson meets Scarlatti (2024), arr. ArcoStrum

Back Deck Visitor Information and Guidelines

Attendees must bring their own chairs and are welcome to bring refreshments. Tickets are $63 for an 8’x8’ block that accommodates up to two patrons or $33 for a block that accommodates one. There is a $3 handling fee per block included in the price. Concerts begin at 7:30 PM. Patrons are welcome to arrive as early as 6:30 PM to enjoy their picnics. In the event of inclement weather, outdoor performances will be held in the Museum’s Bickford Theatre, general admission. For assistance and to make purchases by phone, call the box office at 973-971-3706. All programs subject to change.

Need help with a particular seating request or large group? Please contact the Box Office directly: 973-971-3706

Thank you for your support!

Leadership Support for the Lot of Strings Concert Series is provided by Will and Mary Leland and Lot of Strings founding donor, F. Gary Knapp.

Support for the Back Deck Concert Series is provided by Gary’s Wine & Marketplace and Morris County Tourism Bureau, a Division of the Morris County Economic Development Alliance.

About the Back Deck

Since launching in July 2020, The Back Deck has presented over 72 performances of critically acclaimed artists, welcomed more than 11,000 patrons, and received critical praise from local and national media. The series has presented established artists and rising stars with several ensembles going on to receive national acclaim. Now an established part of the regional cultural landscape, the Museum’s elevated parking deck has become known for elegant tailgates and world-class music each summer.

Photo by Shervin Lainez.