No matter how old humans grow, trees are older—much older. What they have witnessed is beyond our imagination. Memories of Trees is a new composition by Kate Moore for string quartet and electronics, accompanied by visual elements from artist Jurjen Alkema. The piece explores the memories of trees, but also wood as a raw material—used for crafting violins, violas, and cellos—and its impact on delicate ecosystems. It is a deeply engaging experience that stimulates the ears, heart, and mind.
Kate Moore is one of the leading composers of her generation, often exploring humanity’s relationship with nature. Jurjen Alkema’s visuals poetically illustrate the journey from tree to plank to instrument to music. The underlying theme is reverence for nature’s gifts to humanity, enabling artistic expression.
The Ragazze Quartet reflects: “What do our string instruments tell us about time and endurance? What history lies within each soundboard and tailpiece? Where did this wood originate—how much sunlight has it absorbed, how many liters of rain has it endured? Which other trees did it communicate with through permaculture?” This tribute carries a cautionary note: we need wood to create music, but trees to sustain life.