The string quartet as metaphor of Collaboration
#METAFOUR
MetaFour is a project made of words and music based on a direct dialogue with musicians of a string quartet, that raises awareness on the importance of collaboration, listening and of all those values that are fundamental in a civil society.
MetaFour can be proposed in 3 different places
• For schools, it’s an educational activity that promotes social values and brings the new generations closer to the musical language
• For the social field, it’s a project that raises awareness on social inclusion, collaboration and the promotion of diversity through the arts, music and words
• For the fragilities, it’s a path of reflection dedicated to hospitals, jails, rehabilitation centers, with the support of psychologists and educators, that has the aim of encouraging people to think about the importance of individuals in a group and the value of emotions
The metaphor of the string quartet is a means of reflection that speaks a universal language
Brainstorming at the end of a MetaFour event, 1L Class of Liceo Virgilio in Milan
In addition to supporting young string quartets, Le Dimore del Quartetto promotes the same democratic spirit that guides this working group: composed of two violins, a viola and a cello, the quartet is the main ensemble of chamber music, as well as one of the most equal musical group that one can imagine. It is the perfect example of a team, of collaboration and Culture of Dialogue. It is a privileged place of profound experience where one can be at times unique and multiple, where fusion and personalization are sought. A place of exchange with infinite possibilities that continuously stimulates the group to raise the level.
Each meeting of MetaFour is made up of:
– Presentation of the string quartet and biographical notes
– Live music performances
– Workshops and team-building activities
– Possibility of motion graphics projections
– Possibility of a graphical mapping of the working group
PROFESSIONALS SAY…
“A project made of music, interconnections, stories of human beings that in the authentic encounter play their own fragilities”
– Lara Frassine, educator
“Not only music: the members of a string quartet are a living metaphor for teamwork […]. The rules? Collaboration, respect for other people’s ideas and rotation of leadership. This is what teams can learn from the quartet.”
– Roselina Salemi, writer
STUDENTS SAY…
“It has been wonderful listening to a music that has fascinated me for its gentleness and for the musicians’ skills, in our auditorium. It seemed like musicians were talking with one another thanks to their gaze.”
– Alice, Scuola Media Bettinzoli di Brescia
“I have been surprised by the silence that there was in the school theatre. My class mates and I were paying attention and were listening with great curiosity to those sounds and musics played by the quartet. I would like these concerts to happen more often.”
– Luis, Scuola Media Bettinzoli di Brescia
PROFESSORS SAY…
“Your enthusiasm and professionalism have created a unique atmosphere, made of sharing and beauty that we recognize as ours and for which we thank you”
– Prof.ssa Noemi Morrone dell’I.C. Rinnovata Pizzigoni, Milano
“For all the students it was a wonderful experience and – I would add – also for my fellow teachers, who were impressed by the fantastic young instrumentalists and the listening and observation skills of our students”
– Prof.ssa Faroni (Scuola Media Bettinzoli, Brescia)
Quartetto Echos at the Middle School “Bettinzoli” in Brescia
Quatuor Agate at the
Lycée Franco-Qatarien Voltaire
in Doha, Qatar
Quartetto Indaco at the Istituto Comprensivo Cardarelli in Milan
WHY THE QUARTET?
The string quartet is the main ensemble of chamber music and, above all, it is an incredible human experiment: it is a dialogue between four heads, four voices and four hearts, so each artistic choice is the result of a long, and often complicated, mediation. This dynamic is clearly visible if you observe closely a quartet playing.
Within the quartet it is necessary to develop a culture of conversation that enhances both expression and listening. The musicians of a string quartet rehearse together for 70-80% of their time without a conductor. The rules that guide them are collaboration, respect for the ideas of the others, responsibility and trust. They interpret four different parts that, through dialogue and continuous common reflections, are integrated into a single sixteen-stringed instrument, without the need of a director external to the group, as it happens instead in an orchestra.
Would you like to organize a conversation-concert?
Do you wish to donate this experience to a school or community?
Do you have questions or curiosities about the project?
