Episode 39: Kronos Quartet’s David Harrington on musical activism

The Kronos Quartet are no strangers to musical activism, using their creative collaborative powers to speak out against injustices of the world, shine a light on forgotten voices and spread the message of peace and hope through their music-making. Founding violinist David Harrington speaks about the work Mỹ Lai by Jonathan Berger, a work inspired by the previously unspoken story of American soldier Hugh Thompson who saved numerous civilian lives during the 1968 massacre in Vietnam. In light of recent global events, David speaks about the power musicians hold and must harness to share critical messages, as well as how nearly 50 years of the Kronos Quartet have shaped his life. Check out thestrad.com for the latest news and articles on all things to do with string playing. Register and subscribe to access exclusive archival content from 2010 onwards. Student discount! Get 50% off an online subscription! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3eQ75AB  Find us on social media: Facebook.com/thestrad Twitter: @TheStradMag Instagram: @the_strad_   Mỹ Lai Lullaby Mỹ Lai – Music by Jonathan Berger and Libretto by Harriet Scott Chessman Kronos Quartet / Vân-ÁnhVõ / Rinde Eckert Smithsonian Folkways Recordings Photo courtesy of Kronos Performing Arts Association