Concert: String Quartet Masterworks from Mexico

The Playground String Quartet is proud to celebrate fall with a concert of string quartet pieces by two composers from Mexico. The performance will feature the Colorado premiere of Gabriela Ortiz’s ceremonial Altar de Muertos, inspired by the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead, along with Eclectic Huapango and Two Dances by composer Alfonso Molina, which focuses on pre-hispanic Mexican traditions that have endured beyond Mexico’s Spanish conquest. The show will take place at Kim Robards Dance 1755 W 48th Ave in Denver on Saturday, October 18, 2025, 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7). Tickets are $20, and $10 for students, and are available at for purchase now at www.playgroundensemble.org.

Ortiz’ score calls for the players to wear traditional folk masks and these are being made special for the Playground Ensemble by artist Josefina Calzada.

The Playground String Quartet features Sarah Whitnah, Violin; Jackson Bailey, Violin; Allyson Stibbards, Viola and David Short, Cello

The Playground Ensemble is a group of professional musicians, composers, educators and fans dedicated to presenting chamber music as a living art form. Their goal is to provide stimulating performances, expand common perceptions of both contemporary music and the chamber ensemble, and nurture a community around this music that they love. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, they cultivate a thriving local composition community through a robust commissioning program and extensive education/outreach programs. For more information, photos, and a complete list of concerts and events, please visit the Playground Ensemble website at www.playgroundensemble.org.