The holidays are upon us and with them brings an abundance of traditional festivities. From seasonal foods and treats to decorations and special activities, this time of year is full of opportunities to experience the spirit of the season. Holiday music is one simple way to do just that, and there’s no better group to help usher in Christmas than Dallas String Quartet (DSQ).
The group is comprised of composer and violist Ion Zanca, violinists Eleanor Dunbar and Melissa Priller, bassist Young Heo, guitarist Anthony Plant, and percussionist/drummer Efren Guzman. Together, they form DSQ, an ensemble that uses traditional and electric string instruments to recreate popular songs. Their stunning renditions of hits like Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine” or Shawn Mendes’ “Señorita” ensure they have no shortage of fans. DSQ truly is where Bach meets Bon Jovi. In their hands, beloved music is transformed and given new life, and Christmas songs are no exception.
Residents can now experience DSQ’s fresh spin on classic Christmas music in person during a live performance presented by Connect2Culture (C2C). The seasonal show, titled Electric Christmas, will be held Saturday, December 11, at 7 pm at Ozark Christian College Chapel and features reimagined holiday hits performed on electric and traditional strings.
“Dallas String Quartet is a fantastic ensemble. Seeing them perform live is a huge treat, and Connect2Culture is excited to share that opportunity with the Joplin area,” says Emily Frankoski, director of C2C.
The group has a combined 34 million streams on Spotify and YouTube, has performed for Presidents Obama and Bush, and has played alongside Josh Groban, Chicago, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Their most recent appearance only adds to their extensive list of accomplishments.
“One of the things [about DSQ] that really caught our attention was their recent performance at Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton’s wedding,” says Frankoski. “Stefani and Shelton are both highly acclaimed musicians and being selected by them to perform at such an exclusive, personal event is no small feat. It speaks volumes to DSQ’s talent and the quality of their work.”
It’s that talent and craftsmanship that has spurred the group on to stardom. As the media outlet Celeb Secrets put it, DSQ has “quickly [become] a notable name within the [music] industry and a ‘must-have’ at any star-studded affair. Their unique combination of drums, guitar, electric and traditional strings creates a matchless, yet mesmerizing modern sound that any A-lister would want blessing their ears.”
A-lister or not, DSQ’s Electric Christmas is a performance anyone can enjoy.
“This is a vibrant, energetic performance featuring exquisitely arranged classics, and DSQ delivers each song with an abundance of holiday gusto,” explains Frankoski. “It’s the kind of show that leaves audiences with a smile on their faces, and C2C couldn’t imagine a better way for our Curtains Up Series to celebrate this special season.”
This is just one performance in C2C’s Curtains Up Series, which began earlier this year with Schoolhouse Rock Live! From gifted singers and remarkable bands to hilarious skits and thrilling dancers, each performance delights audiences as soon as the curtain’s up!