Working from home has changed life for our pets, even here in Champaign-Urbana
Violinist Meg Freivogel, Artist-in-Residence at the University of Illinois School of Music, has traveled the world performing and teaching with the Jupiter String Quartet. But in her latest television appearance, she receives rave reviews for playing with a new musical partner.
The family dog, Iris.
In a brief video clip featured as the Play of the Day on ABC’s Good Morning America on May 14, 2021, Freivogel is practicing at home when Iris decides to sing right along, to the delight of all. You can enjoy a lengthier performance originally posted by the Jupiters on their social media accounts on April 28, in which Iris demonstrates both impressive breath support and intuitive changes of melodic contour when Freivogel switches from major to minor.
(Fun fact: Freivogel and her 4-legged friend were filmed working on Judd Greenstein’s 2006 String Quartet titled “Four on the Floor.” There is a witty pun just begging to be made.)
Reviews from Good Morning America hosts were definitely positive.
- “Very soulful.” — George Stephanopoulos
- “I think if they keep practicing, they could be at Carnegie Hall before we know it.” — Michael Strahan
In fact, the Jupiters have already performed at Carnegie Hall, along with an impressive list of other concert venues worldwide. We are so fortunate to have these A-list performers based right here at the University of Illinois, and Iris is no doubt fortunate to have experienced more quality music than ever this year, right in her own house.
Along with her colleagues in the Jupiter String Quartet (but without Iris), Freivogel recently gave the world premiere (virtual) performance of “Chaconne/Labyrinth,” a new work by University of Illinois composer and music professor Stephen Andrew Taylor that reflects the experience of living during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Sunday, May 16 at 3 p.m. Central Time, you can join the Jupiter String Quartet for a FREE online concert presented by UCLA’s Chamber Music at the Clark. After the concert, Freivogel and her colleagues will participate in a live Q&A session on Zoom. No word on whether Iris will be participating, but Greenstein’s “Four on the Floor” is on the program, so who knows…?
Register to watch the event here: http://www.1718.ucla.edu/events/jupiter-quartet/