Olympia High School String Quartet to join the pros

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Oct. 1, 2018 - PRLog -- When the touring show Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown returns to the Washington Center Main Stage on Friday, October 26, the Olympia High School String Quartet will join the professional musicians on stage to lend some local talent to this homage to the British Invasion.
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 Olympia show is part of a 125 city tour of the U.S., Canada and Australia.

The string quartet:  Olympia High School seniors Olivia Cai, Miriam Silverman, Seth Harper and Bennett Olsen 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."

How the "Beatles" and "Stones" connection was started: The producers of Beatles vs. Stones approached Olympia High Orchestra Director Joseph Dyvig, looking for a quartet who could hold its own with a rock band in front of an audience. The show has hired Dyvig's quartets in past years.
"When we find a strong music program like Olympia High's, we try to hire them each year the show returns," said show producer Andy Nagle.

The quartet's Beatles or Stones fans: Seth Harper and Bennett Olsen are the quartet's Beatles fans.
"Eleanor Rigby'is one of my favorite pieces to play," said Seth.
"Yellow Submarine', has to be one of my favorites," said Bennett.

The details: Two of the greatest bands of all time face off in a high-energy, adrenaline-pumping musical showdown. The Fab Four, represented by tribute band Abbey Road, will engage in a barrage of hits against premier Rolling Stones tribute band Satisfaction. Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown returns to the Washington Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, October 26 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $35/$45/$65 and may be purchased online at www.washingtoncenter.org by phone at (360) 753-8586 or at the Theatre Box Office Tuesday through Saturday noon - 5:00 p.m and two hours before performances. The Washington Center is located at 512 Washington St. SE (https://maps.google.com/?q=512+Washington+St.+SE&entr...) in Olympia, WA 98501. The show is appropriate for all ages.

And here is some additional information about the Olympia High School String Quartet:

Seth Harper, 17, has been playing the violin for nine years. After growing up listening to bluegrass music, his interest in playing the violin grew.

He has competed in Solo and Ensemble competitions, winning State with his chamber orchestra.

In addition to being a member of Olympia High School's orchestra, he is also a member of the Tennis team.

Seth enjoys violin because "the range and tone that it has is unique."

The senior plans to attend college and study political science after graduation.

Olivia Cai, 17, has been playing the violin since fourth grade after gaining interest while watching her cousin practice. She has competed at State Solo and Ensemble festivals, placing first in Region with a quartet and first in State with her school's chamber orchestra.

"The violin has a very beautiful sound that helps show so many emotions through the music," Olivia stated.

In addition to music, Olivia enjoys playing club soccer and volunteering at various local organizations.

The senior aspires to becoming a medical doctor.

Miriam Silverman, 17, began playing the violin six years ago. She started playing violin but switched to viola in fifth grade.
She has participated in Regional Solo and Ensemble festivals and has won State with her chamber orchestra. At the Western Washington University Orchestra Festival, her competing quartet, symphony and chamber orchestras placed.

"I wouldn't have a lot of my friends if it weren't for orchestra. I love that it can be whatever you want it to be, whether that is fun, relaxing, or competitive," Miriam stated.

The senior enjoys spending her free time riding horses and volunteering at the local animal shelters.

Bennett Olsen, 17, began playing the cello nine years ago. At the time, he chose it because it was the biggest instrument, but now he appreciates the range and tones it offers.

Bennett has advanced to State and local Solo and Ensemble festivals as a soloist and as part of his school's large ensemble.

In addition to being a member of the school's orchestra, he also plays for Olympia High School soccer team.

"I really enjoy orchestra because it is a lot of fun to play music with my friends," Bennett said.

The senior plans to go to college as a Computer Science major, while continuing to play cello.