Exquisite threads of music and literature are woven together in this theatrical exploration of love and loss. The emotional resonance of Shakespeare’s timeless play becomes doubly dramatic through intertwining spoken passages with Sergei Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet Suite, a bold, 20th century interpretation of the star-crossed love story. Beethoven was inspired by the tragic tomb scene for the lovely and lyrical Adagio of one of his earliest string quartets. Finally, Brahms’ radiant String Sextet No. 2, infused with bittersweet longing and lush lyricism, was inscribed to a woman he loved from afar. Together, music and language form a poignant meditation on love’s beauty, fragility, and the timeless power of artistic expression.

Sergei Prokofiev Suite from Romeo and Juliet  (1936)
Chad Hoopes, violin; Benjamin Hochman, piano

William Shakespeare Selected readings from Romeo and Juliet (1597)
Walter van Dyk, reciter

Ludwig van Beethoven String Quartet No. 1 in F Major, Op. 18 (1800)
Susie Park, Chad Hoopes, violin; Melissa Reardon, viola; Nina Lee, cello

Johannes Brahms String Sextet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 36, “Agathe” (1865)
?Anthony Marwood, Susie Park, violin; Melissa Reardon, Cara Pogossian, viola; Nina Lee, Raman Ramakrishnan, cello

Run Time: Approximately 2.5 hours including intermission

Location: Stevens Square Theater, 631 Stevens Ave, Portland ME

Ticket Prices: $46 general admission / $83.50 reserved seating / $12 children & students

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