classical music

On a recent evening, the jolting sounds of string instruments filled a room that was half dance studio, half gym. A quartet stood in the center of a mat-covered section of the space, each member stationed behind a music stand. Three dancers circled the ensemble, cycling through a series of turns and leaps and kicks.

Acclaimed classical violinist and composer Daniel Bernard Roumain stood in front of a group of elementary and middle schoolers at the Strand Theater, framed by a gilded arch and burgundy curtains. “Rhythm is everything, you dig?” he told the students, before guiding them through a series of spirited improvisational musical exercises.

A piece of parchment secured with a wax seal is cracked open, revealing a set of pure gut violin strings. The violin familiarly creaks as it is removed from its case, responding to the gentle touch of its musician.

African American prodigy violinist Randall Goosby will make his debut with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in February. At the age of 28, Goosby has already put out two classical albums, won innumerable awards and performed globally. To put his success in perspective, he debuted with the Jacksonville Symphony at age 9. Boston is next on the list of audiences to dazzle.

The Handel and Haydn Society has named violinist Carmen Lavada Johnson-Pájaro and violinist/violist Amelia Sie as its inaugural Stone Fellows. The Stone Fellowship is designed to provide opportunities in classical music for groups that have been historically marginalized in the field. 

Pianist and composer Donal Fox performs Friday, Dec. 3 in a free, mostly virtual event as part of the JazzNOW series co-sponsored by GBH and JazzBoston.