Montgomery’s Strum: The Evolution of a String Quintet

The evolution of Strum is a fascinating story, encompassing a remarkable journey since its inception in 2006. Over the years, this piece has undergone multiple revisions including significant transformations, mirroring the creative vision and dedication of the talented musicians who have embraced it.

Montgomery’s original concept started as a cello quintet that evolved into a string quintet in 2006. This revision was written for the Providence String Quartet alongside a few guests from Community MusicWorks Players. In 2012 Strum underwent its final revision with Montgomery re-writing the introduction and ending.

Drawing inspiration from American folk traditions, Strum exudes a lively spirit. It begins with an air of nostalgia and crescendos into a joyful celebration, creating an emotional resonance that captivates listeners. One of the defining features of Strum is the delightful strumming pizzicato, which not only adds unique texture but also propels the rhythm forward.

Reflecting on the evolution of Strum, the talented musicians who have performed and shaped the piece have infused it with their unique artistry, making every rendition a distinct experience. The mix of nostalgia and celebration invites audiences to connect with the essence of the piece, fostering a sense of shared joy and meaning with each performance.

Reference: Montgomery, J. (n.d.). Strum for string orchestra. Jessie Montgomery. Retrieved January 12, 2026, from https://www.jessiemontgomery.com/work/strum-for-string-orchestra/

Jessie Montgomery is a GRAMMY® Award-winning composer, violinist, and educator whose work interweaves classical music with elements of vernacular music, improvisation, poetry, and social consciousness, making her an acute interpreter of 21st-century American sound and experience. Her profound works have been described as “turbulent, wildly colorful, and exploding with life,” (The Washington Post) and are performed regularly by leading orchestras, ensembles, and soloists around the world. In June 2024, Montgomery concluded a three-year appointment as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Mead Composer-in-Residence. She was named Performance Today’s 2025 Classical Woman of the Year.

A founding member of PUBLIQuartet and former member of the Catalyst Quartet, Montgomery is a frequent and highly engaged collaborator with performing musicians, composers, choreographers, playwrights, poets, and visual artists alike. At the heart of Montgomery’s work is a deep sense of community enrichment and a desire to create opportunities for young artists and underrepresented composers to broaden audience experiences in classical music spaces.

Montgomery has been recognized with many prestigious awards and fellowships, including the Civitella Ranieri Fellowship, the Sphinx Medal of Excellence and Sphinx Virtuosi Composer-in-Residence, the Leonard Bernstein Award from the ASCAP Foundation, and Musical America’s 2023 Composer of the Year. She serves on the Composition and Music Technology faculty at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music.

For Jessie’s full biography, please visit https://www.jessiemontgomery.com/

Reference: Montgomery, J. (April 2025). Short Biography of Jessie Montgomery. Retrieved from [https://www.jessiemontgomery.com/about/#short-bio-212-words]