Duke Arts Presents
Ciompi Quartet and Robert Sims, Baritone: Follow Me
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH, 2026 | 2:00 PM
Tickets
FREE
General Admission
Venue
Baldwin Auditorium
Duke East Campus
Directions to Venue
Program
The Ciompi Quartet, Duke University’s resident string quartet, has built an international reputation for performances that weave together music of the past and present. Praised by The New York Times for playing that sounded “intelligent and sure,” the ensemble’s fall program “Follow Me” is rooted in U.S. musical traditions.
The evening moves from Samuel Barber's powerful String Quartet, Op. 11 to Ben Johnston's inventive quartet built around the hymn Amazing Grace. Music by Florence Price and Charles Ives reflects the evolving voice of American composition. The quartet is joined by acclaimed baritone Robert Sims for a set of spirituals, connecting classical repertoire with some of the deepest currents in American musical life.
Samuel Barber: String Quartet Op. 11
Ben Johnston: String Quartet No. 4 Amazing Grace
Caroline Shaw: I’ll Fly Away (with Robert Sims baritone)
William Billings:
When Jesus Wept
Charles Ives: 1st quartet: Mvt. 1 Andante con moto
Florence Price: Two Negro Folk Songs in Counterpoint
Little David, Play On Yo’ Harp
Joshua Fit de Battle ob Jericho
Four American spirituals (arr. for string quartet & baritone, with Robert Sims)
Harry T. Burleigh: I’ve Been in the Storm So Long
There’s A Balm in Gilead
R. Nathaniel Dett: I’m So Glad Trouble Don’t Last Alway
Follow Me
