Parker Quartet
Augusta Read Thomas
Matthew Meselson

Monday, April 24, 2017 - 7:00 PM
College of Physicians
College of Physicians

College of Physicians

19 South 22nd Street Learn More

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About This Performance

In 1958, Matthew Meselson, now a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard University, and his colleague Franklin Stahl demonstrated the semi-conservative replication of DNA in an experiment heralded as “the most beautiful experiment in biology.” That beauty inspired Augusta Read Thomas, widely considered one of today’s foremost composers, to compose Helix Spirals, which is dedicated to Meselson, Stahl, and their most beautiful experiment.

PCMS presents a special lecture/concert, in partnership with the College of Physicians, featuring the Parker Quartet and the Philadelphia premiere of Helix Spirals by Augusta Read Thomas in celebration of the Meselson-Stahl DNA replication discovery of 1958.  Dr. Matthew Meselson and Dr. Jeanne Guillemin will also be in attendance.  A reception will follow the concert.

“Helix Spirals combines explosive energy, technical virtuosity, and vivid colors and textures with an intellectual rigor of conception that lends it formal continuity and cohesion. This exciting work deserves a place in the repertoire.” — Matthew Heck, The Boston Musical Intelligencer