The Voorhees Arts Commission will bring “Music Through the Ages” to Lions Lake Park on Thursday, June 12.
The performance by the South Garden Strings Quartet will feature Jaress Loo, a violinist whose journey with music began at the age of 10. Now, as a seasoned performer and founding member of the quartet, Loo is excited to bring the performance to life in Voorhees.
“South Garden Strings was actually born out of an arrangement between the South Jersey Pops Orchestra and a local winery,” Loo explained. “We were asked to provide string quartet performances as part of the sponsorship, so we came together to meet that need, and we’ve been playing together ever since.”
Loo began playing the violin thinking it was a rare instrument, only to discover it’s one of the most common in orchestral music. But that early misunderstanding didn’t deter him.
“I struggled even after three years,” he admitted. “But something clicked around the third or fourth year. From then on, I really began to flourish. I’ve enjoyed the violin ever since.”
The group’s performance in Voorhees is the result of “perfect timing,” said Loo.
“Right after a winery gig, I checked my phone and saw an email from the Voorhees Arts Commission,” he recalled. “They were looking for a quartet to perform. A local high-school music teacher I’m friends with had passed along my name.”
The quartet’s show theme of “Music Through the Ages” promises to be an immersive musical journey spanning multiple centuries and genres, from Bach and Mozart to Broadway and modern-day movie soundtracks, according to Loo.
As with any candlelight concert, ambiance will play a major role. And thanks to digital technology, the musicians won’t have to sacrifice atmosphere for visibility.
“Years ago, we would’ve needed stand lights that could disrupt the mood,” Loo explained. “But now, with iPads, we can see our music clearly while preserving the glow and drama of the candlelight.”
That atmosphere, he added, enhances the emotional depth of every piece.
“It makes the music feel more intimate and dramatic,” Loo pointed out, “not in a negative way, just deeper and more meaningful. It’s a great experience, both for us and the audience.”
In addition to classical favorites, the quartet will offer a favorite of Loo’s, a tango called “Oblivion,” by Astor Piazzolla.
“I tend to gravitate toward classical music,” he acknowedged, “but Oblivion has this amazing feel to it, especially in a candlelight setting. It will be something really special.”
The group also plans to perform pieces not traditionally arranged for a string quartet, showcasing the versatility and power of their instruments.
“We want people to leave with a new appreciation of what strings can do, and hopefully a new favorite piece,” Loo said.
At its core, he believes, the performance is about more than music – it’s about community.
“Music unites people,” he observed. “Our quartet is made up of very different individuals, but when we play, we’re completely in sync. That unity extends to the audience, too. For that hour, we’re all connected. That’s the power of music.”
Loo hopes the concert also inspires young musicians.
“Don’t wait,” he urged. “If you’ve ever wanted to try music, just start. Young students form unique bonds with their instruments that can’t easily be replicated later, but it’s never too late to begin.
“Music is a lifelong gift.”
