For over 20 years, the world-renowned Cassatt String Quartet has made bi-annual trips from New York City to West Texas for their “Cassatt in the Basin!” residency program. In Midland, Odessa, and surrounding areas they visit schools and community centers to perform and teach life lessons via chamber music and orchestral playing such as teamwork, verbal and non-verbal communication, and respect for one another. It is the only program of its kind.
In October 2023 the quartet performed at the Aphasia Center in Midland, TX. Aphasia is a language disorder that impacts how people are able to communicate through conversations as well as the ability to read and write. The Executive Director of the center, Kitty Binek, was effusive about the positive effect of Cassatt Quartet’s visit, “The unique experience of being seated among professional and engaging musicians allowed our members access to an immensely enriching event they might not have otherwise experienced. It was a joyful and memorable event, and we look forward to future collaborations to enhance the wellbeing of our members.”
On October 17, 2024 the Cassatts will perform a “Seeing Sound” at a fundraiser for the Bynum School which provides year-round educational and vocational activities for people with special needs. During the concert Bynum students will create artwork inspired by how the music makes them feel. Their art will then be auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting the school.
“It is such a gift to have this relationship with the community I grew up in. To perform in these spaces and work with students who might not otherwise have access to live performances really means a lot,” says violinist and Executive Director of Cassatt in the Basin Jennifer Leshnower.
Cassatt Quartet’s fall 2024 residency is October 11-17, and features another “Seeing Sound” concert at the Museum of the Southwest Fredda Turner Children’s Museum in Midland, chamber music coachings at schools throughout the region, including the West Texas Music Conservatory and their youth orchestra, and a Yom Kippur service at Temple Beth El in Odessa. Details about these and other events are below. For more information and full program details, visit https://www.cassattinthebasin.net.
CASSATT IN THE BASIN OCTOBER 2024 SCHEDULE
Friday 10/11
6pm
Private Yom Kippur Service, Kol Nidre at Temple Beth El
(1501 N. Grandview, Odessa)
Saturday 10/12
Time TBD
Community Concert at TBD
Sunday 10/13
2pm & 3pm
Seeing Sound Concerts
Draw to the Music at Museum of the Southwest Fredda Turner Children's Museum
(1705 W Missouri Ave, Midland)
Monday 10/14
Time TBD
Coaching
Midland High School
(906 W. Illinois Ave, Midland)
5-6pm
Chamber Music Coaching at Texas Tech University
(18th and Boston Avenue, Lubbock)
Tuesday 10/15
Time TBD
Coaching at Permian High School
(1800 E 42nd St, Odessa)
4:30 - 7pm
Coaching at West Texas Music Conservatory
(1602 Tarleton St, Midland)
Wednesday 10/16
Time TBD
Coaching at Legacy High School
(3500 Neely Ave, Midland)
Thursday 10/17
Time TBD
Coaching at Odessa High School
(1301 Dotsy Ave, Odessa)
6pm
Bynam School Fundraising Concert at Midland Polo Club
(5401 Polo Club Rd, Midland)