Two of today’s premier ensembles join forces in a rare collaboration between string quartet and wind quintet. This spectacular evening of music will include the Boston premiere of a new work by Jessie Montgomery, co-commissioned by Celebrity Series of Boston. Written specifically for these two internationally acclaimed groups, Montgomery’s suite follows the travels of her great-grandfather, Buffalo Soldier Sergeant McCauley, highlighting Montgomery’s deeply personal combination of classical music training and vernacular approach to storytelling.

The program as a whole will be a diverse musical exploration of the concept of migration, with brilliantly re-invigorated works including Mongo Santamaría’s ever-popular jazz standard “Afro Blue;” Florence B. Price’s lush and intricate “Negro Folksongs in Counterpoint,” written for string quartet; and modern great Roberto Sierra’s enduring and technically demanding Concierto de Cámara, written specifically for tonight’s uncommon instrumentation. From the atypical but excellent musical selections, to the presence of two world-class ensembles—both of them highly in-demand concert headliners on their own merits—to the brilliant acoustics and intimacy of the First Church in Cambridge, this chamber music event offers a lot of reasons for excitement.

This performance will also be streamed.

(im)migration: music of change

Ramón “Mongo” Santamaría   “Afro Blue” (arr. Valerie Coleman)

Florence B. Price Negro Folksongs in Counterpoint

Jessie Montgomery “Sergeant McCauley” (Boston premiere)*

Roberto Sierra   Concierto de Cámara