(2009) Suite For Lower Strings
Based on themes by BACH
Commissioned by the New Century Chamber Orchestra
Program Notes
“Suite for Lower Strings” (2009) is a five-movement fantasy on well-known themes by J.S. Bach. The work emphasizes the string section’s lower voices, such as the viola, cello, and bass. Typically in Baroque music, the melody was given to the higher instruments — but the suite, commissioned by the New Century Chamber Orchestra, was specifically tasked to showcase the often under-used lower instruments. Each of the suite’s short movements presents Bach’s popular and recognizable melodies, often varying and combining them with elements from twentieth-century styles.
Performance History
Jan 5, 2020 — Suite For Lower Strings – Boca Raton, FL.
Jan 17, 2020 — Hartford Symphony will perform Assad’s SUITE FOR LOWER STRINGS
Jan 19, 2020 — Suite For Lower Strings performed by the Hartford Symphony
2021
Jan 22, 2021 — SUITE FOR LOWER STRINGS – GREENVILLE SYMPHONY
Jan 23, 2021 — SUITE FOR LOWER STRINGS – GREENVILLE SYMPHONY
Aug 12, 2021 — SUITE FOR LOWER STRINGS – PRO MUSICA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Oct 11, 2021 — PRO MUSICA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA (Suite For Lower Strings)
Nov 19, 2021 — Suite For Lower Strings
2022
Jan 22, 2022 — SUITE FOR LOWER STRINGS, GREENSVILLE SYMPHONY
2026
Jan 31, 2026 — Suite For Lower Strings | University of Reno
Feb 1, 2026 — SUITE FOR LOWER STRINGS | University of Reno, Nevada
Dec 8, 2026 — Suite For Lower Strings — Fairview High School Orchestra | Fairview High School Auditorium | Boulder (upcoming)
Compiled from the site’s events calendar and may not reflect every performance.
Coming up
- December 8, 2026Suite For Lower Strings — Fairview High School OrchestraFairview High School Auditorium, Boulder
- December 12, 2026Pro Musica Columbus — PLAY!Southern Theatre, Columbus
Performance history
- February 1, 2026SUITE FOR LOWER STRINGS | University of Reno, Nevada
- January 31, 2026Suite For Lower Strings | University of Reno
- February 24, 2024Clarice Assad • IN-PERSON UMD Wind Orchestra | AMAZÔNIA SEM LEI – Featuring violinist James Stern