Local high school string quartet to join the pros at the Kentucky Center

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - April 19, 2019 - EntSun -- When the touring show Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown returns to the Brown Theatre on Wednesday, May 8, the Louisville Ballard High School String Quartet will have the privilege of joining the professional musicians on stage to add some orchestral texture to the evening.
The show pits Rolling Stones tribute band Satisfaction against rival Brit boys Abbey Road in an all-out musical showdown for rock dominance. The string quartet will perform seven songs with the bands.

Here's the rundown:
The show:  The two greatest rock 'n' roll bands of all time face off in Beatles vs. Stones - A Musical Showdown. Taking the side of the Fab Four is Abbey Road, one of the nation's top Beatles tribute bands. With brilliant musicianship and authentic costumes and gear, Abbey Road plays beloved songs spanning the Beatles' career. They engage in a "showdown" of the hits with Stones tribute band Satisfaction - The International Rolling Stones Show, who offer a faithful rendition of the music and style of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the bad boys of the British Invasion. The production includes multimedia, period costumes and vintage instruments. It has toured for years, with a critic for the Los Angeles Times at one point declaring: "this is the most unique tribute show in decades." The Louisville show is part of a 110 city tour of the U.S., Canada and Australia.

The string quartet: Ballard High seniors Rambod Gilani, Abel Al-Hussainawi and Tyler Voyer and junior Christian Kephart will join the bands for the songs "Eleanor Rigby," "Yesterday," "A Day in the Life," "Hello Goodbye," "Hey Jude," "As Tears Go By," and "Ruby Tuesday."
Each quartet member serves as first chair with the BHS Chamber Orchestra and quartet members belong to prestigious area ensembles, including the Louisville Youth Orchestra, the University of Louisville String Academy, the Kentucky Music Educators Association All-State and the Jefferson County Public School All-County Orchestras. Members also consistently receive Distinguished ratings at KMEA Solo and Ensemble Festivals.

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How the "Beatles" and "Stones" connection was started: The producers of Beatles vs. Stones approached Ballard High Orchestra Director Eva Rouse looking for a talented ensemble which could hold their own with a rock band in front of an audience.

The quartet's Beatles or Stones fans: Tyler Voyer is the quartet's Beatles fan.
"In my opinion, the Beatles are a part of being cultured. My favorite songs are 'Here Comes The Sun' and 'Hey Jude'."

Quartet for hire: The Ballard Chamber High String Quartet performs at community events. Performance inquiries can be directed to Eva Rouse at eva.rouse@jefferson.kyschools.us.
The details: The two greatest rock 'n' roll bands of all time face off as the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts host tributes to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Renowned tribute bands Abbey Road and Satisfaction - The International Rolling Stones Show engage in a musical showdown of the hits. "Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown" returns to the Brown Theatre on Wednesday, May 8 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $20-$65 and may be purchased online at www.kentuckycenter.org, by phone at (502) 584-7777, and at The Kentucky Center box office at 501 W. Main in Louisville. The Brown Theatre is located at 315 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202. The show is family friendly and appropriate for all ages.

And here is some additional information about the Ballard High School Chamber String Quartet:
Rambod Gilani (Violin I), 18, has been playing violin for nine years. Rambod has competed with a duet in local solo and ensemble festivals, where he received Distinguished ratings.
"For me, being in orchestra is about the passion I have for music. My parents got me into it and I have been in love since."

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He is a member of Mu Alpha Theta, the school's math club, and volunteers for Grace and Glory Food Pantry through his church.
The senior plans to study pre-med in college and become a surgeon.
Abel Al-Hussainawi (Violin II), 17, has been playing violin since fifth grade. He was previously a member of the JCPS All-County Orchestra. Abel has competed with a duet in local solo and ensemble festivals, where he received distinguished ratings.
"I enjoy being able to express myself in a way I normally wouldn't be able to. When I play music, I can feel myself being expressed through it."
Abel is a member of Ballard High's Engineering Club and is enrolled in seven college level courses.
The senior plans to attend University of Louisville's Engineering School upon graduation.
Tyler Voyer (Viola), 17, has been playing viola for eight years. He has participated in KMEA Solo and Ensemble Festivals as well as the All-State and All-County Orchestras.
"Music started for me when my dad, who was a musician, would play classical music. Now I enjoy making music and being around others who have a similar passion as I do."
Tyler is a member of Ballard High's Varsity Soccer team and sas awarded Kentucky High School Athletic Association "Academic All-State" honor for maintaining high grades while participating in a varsity sport.
The senior plans to go to college and continue to play soccer and viola.
Christian Kephart (Cello),17, has been playing cello for seven years. He has participated in KMEA Solo and Ensemble Festivals for three years.
"Growing up, my dad played string bass, and once my sister got into viola, it inspired me to play an instrument. Playing a string instrument gives me a different feeling than piano or guitar."
Christian is a member of Ballard High's Varsity Lacrosse team. He participates in his church's youth council.
The junior plants to attend college to study Information Systems.