• Cellist Alisa Weilerstein playing solo in the middle of a circle of wooden set pieces, all different sizes, illuminated pink.
  • Cellist Alisa Weilerstein playing solo in the middle of a circle of wooden set pieces, all different sizes, illuminated pink.
  • Cellist Alisa Weilerstein playing solo in the middle of a circle of wooden set pieces, all different sizes, illuminated pink.
  • Cellist Alisa Weilerstein playing solo in the middle of a circle of wooden set pieces, all different sizes, illuminated pink.
  • Cellist Alisa Weilerstein playing solo in the middle of a circle of wooden set pieces, all different sizes, illuminated pink.

Alisa Weilerstein - FRAGMENTS

Contact

Emma Beecham

Emma Beecham

Associate Director
Rebecca Moore

Rebecca Moore

Assistant Project Manager

Introduction

Askonas Holt is delighted to tour Alisa Weilerstein’s ground-breaking project for solo cello: FRAGMENTS.

FRAGMENTS weaves together the individual movements of Bach’s Six Solo Cello Suites with newly-commissioned works from 27 different composers. The resulting collection is six unique programmes, each an hour-long performance that blends five to six composers.

For each programme, Alisa curates a new emotional arc by integrating the movements from a single Bach suite with selected new works. Enhanced by responsive lighting and scenic architecture, the music is performed without pause and without a programme, making for a wholly original and immersive audience experience.

“My greatest hope is to deepen connection between audience and artist through a series of unique performances that embrace the world we live in without sacrificing the intellectual and aesthetic qualities that make this artform such a singular mode of human expression.” – Alisa Weilerstein

Composers

Andy Akiho Johann Sebastian Bach Courtney Bryan Chen Yi Alan Fletcher Gabriela Lena Frank Osvaldo Golijov Joseph Hallman Gabriel Kahane Daniel Kidane Thomas Larcher Tania Leon Allison Loggins-Hull Missy Mazzoli Gerard McBurney Jessie Montgomery Reinaldo Moya Jeffrey Mumford Matthias Pintscher Gity Razaz Gili Schwarzman Caroline Shaw Carlos Simon Gabriela Smith Ana Sokolović Joan Tower Mathilde Wantenaar Paul Wiancko

Creative Team

Alisa Weilerstein, Project Creator, Performer Elkhanah Pulitzer, Director Seth Reiser, Scenic and Lighting Designer Carlos J. Soto / Molly Irelan, Costume Designer Hanako Yamaguchi, Artistic Producer / Advisor

Scheduled Performances

  • Jan 2025
    North America

    Alisa Weilerstein (Soloist) Carnegie Hall Programme revealed after the performance.

  • Apr 2025
    North America

    Alisa Weilerstein (Soloist) The Conrad, San Diego Programme revealed after the performance.

  • May 2025
    North America

    Alisa Weilerstein (Soloist) Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall Programme revealed after the performance.

Video

Photos

News

Press

  • FRAGMENTS 1

    Carnegie Hall, New York
    Apr 2023 - Apr 2024
    • The program’s final piece, a greatest hit saved for last, was Bach’s Prelude, the suite’s first movement. It felt as though the preceding 60 minutes had been building to this pure, epiphanic point, turning an ending into another beginning.