Episode 03: Karla Donehew Perez and Paul Laraia-Catalyst Quartet

Photos courtesy of Karla Donehew Perez

The Grammy Award Winning Catalyst Quartet was founded by the internationally acclaimed Sphinx Organization in 2010. The ensemble includes Karla Donehew Perez, violin; Abi Fayette, violin; Paul Laraia, viola; and Karlos Rodriguez, cello. We had the pleasure of speaking with Catalyst Quartet members Karla Perez and Paul Laraia. 

Karla and Paul speak about how their Puerto Rican culture and education have pushed and inspired them to include diversity in their music. Also, how being a chamber musician can bring together connections and build friendships. 

The Catalyst Quartet discuss their project UNCOVERED, with the mission to celebrate the music of historically-important black composers, including: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, William Grant Still, Joseph Boulogne Chevalier de Saint-Georges, Florence B. Price, Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, and George Walker. The music of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Volume 1 of UNCOVERED, is featured in this episode. 

To check out and stay in touch with the Catalyst Quartet please visit their website:  https://catalystquartet.com,  Facebook, and Instagram.

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Music in this episode:

—-Prelude Fantasiestücke by Samuel Coleridge Taylor played by the Catalyst Quartet (Karla Donehew Perez, violin; Abi Fayette, violin; Paul Laraia, viola; and Karlos Rodriguez, cello). 

—Podcast intro, segue, and outro music was composed and produced by Amy Baskurt and Heather Wang.