Letters to a Young Poet‐ Diderot String Quartet

About the Event

Letters to a Young Poet, a collaboration between the Diderot String Quartet and actors Bill Barclay and David Joseph, is a production co‐presented with The Poetry Society of New York. Produced by Concert Theatre Works, this performance delves into the late world of gut strings, extending into the early 20th century. The intimate union of Ravel and Rilke transports us to the Paris of 1903, where both masterpieces were created during La Belle Époque.

In 2020, Rainer Maria Rilke's correspondence with aspiring poet Franz Kappus was re‐examined upon the discovery of all Kappus' letters to Rilke. Rilke's mentorship mirrors Debussy's influence on Ravel, showcasing the intertwined journeys of four artists through a unique blend of music and text. This performance celebrates the 150th anniversaries of both Ravel and Rilke, offering a captivating exploration of creativity and inspiration.