Soppa Med Nya Stråkkvartetter by Smith, Gabriella, Shaw, C., Od (2024/2024), Konserthuset (Stockholm Concert Hall), Stockholm, Sweden

American composer Gabriella Smith has been described as one of the most innovative and exciting composers of today. In the Concert Hall, we have previously heard her captivating Carrot Revolution for string quartet. Here comes an even newer string quartet, Porcupine Wash. No, it is not a porcupine that is portrayed: it is the name of a place in the desert, inland east of Los Angeles. From the American West Coast to the East Coast. Caroline Shaw was born there, in North Carolina, and her work also speaks of a place: the Dumbarton Oaks Museum and Research Center in Washington DC. The title Plan & Elevation refers to how architects shape a building with its surroundings, and Shaw's music is a personal walk through the property's garden. Both American works are performed by a string quartet from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Johannes Lörstad is the voice leader in the second violin part, where Won-Hee Lee also plays, Vicki Powell is the voice leader in the viola part and Josep Castanyer Alonso can be found in the cello part.