The Knights - Naumburg Orchestral Concerts 2025

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Naumburg Concerts

The Knights at Naumburg Bandshell

Join The Knights for an evening of adventurous and inspiring orchestral music.

The Knights are a vibrant collective of musicians known for breaking down barriers between audiences and orchestral music. Founded by brothers Eric and Colin Jacobsen, this New York-based ensemble blends classical roots with diverse influences - from jazz and klezmer to indie rock - creating performances full of energy, spontaneity, and camaraderie. Celebrated for their innovative programming and collaborations with artists like Yo-Yo Ma and Dawn Upshaw, The Knights have performed on world-renowned stages including Carnegie Hall and the Vienna Musikverein. Their unique approach invites listeners into a fresh, engaging orchestral experience that surprises and delights.

Event Details

Admission: FREE, no tickets required

Seating: First-come, first-served

Rain Policy: No rain dates; event held rain or shine

Broadcast: Live broadcast and streaming on WQXR for remote audiences

Plan your visit early to secure seating and enjoy a spectacular night of music under the stars!

Program

THE KNIGHTS

COLIN & ERIC JACOBSEN, ARTISTIC DIRECTORS

Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741), Concerto Grosso from L’Estro Armonico for Two Violins, Cello, and Strings in G minor, Op. 3, No. 2 (RV 578), (1711)

1. Adagio e spiccato, 2. Allegro, 3. Larghetto, 4. Allegro

Colin Jacobsen and Nanae Iwata, violins, Alex Greenbaum, cello

William Grant Still (1895-1978), Summerland: for Flute, Harp, and String Trio, (1935)

Alex Sopp, flute, Megan Conley, harp

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), Trio Sonata in G Major, BWV 1038, (1732-35)

1. Largo, 2. Vivace, 3. Adagio, 4. Presto

Colin Jacobsen, violin, Alex Sopp, flute, Eric Jacobsen, cello, Steven Beck, harpsichord

Giovanni Bottesini (1821-1889), Gran Duo for Clarinet and Double Bass

1. Allegro - Andante 2. Allegro vivace - Moderato

Agnes Marchione, clarinet, Zachary Cohen, double bass

Intermission

Claude Debussy (1862-1918), Danses sacrée et profane, (1904)

Megan Conley, harp

Chen Yi (b. 1953), Sound of the Five (arranged for marimba and strings), (2001)

3. Romance of Hsiao and Ch’in, 4. Flower Drums in Dance

Joseph Gramley, marimba

Traditional, arr. Danish String Quartet (from Last Leaf)

Polska from Dorotea, Unst Boat Song, The Dromer

WQXR Host: Elliott Forrest

The Knights have performed in the Naumburg Orchestral Concerts series since June 2009.

The performance of The Knights has been made possible in part by a generous grant from The Hess and Helyn Kline Foundation.