The Cypress String Quartet accompanies a documentary film during a production of "Inspired by America," showing at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 29, at Western Carolina University's Fine and Performing Arts Center.

What does it mean to be an American? The production “Inspired by America,” showing at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 29, at Western Carolina University's Fine and Performing Arts Center, explores that complicated question with a combination of history-driven documentary film, spoken word and live music.

The Fine and Performing Arts Center presents “Inspired by America” as part of the center’s third annual Galaxy of Stars Series. Teachers are invited to register students in grades six through 12 for a 10 a.m. matinee the same day.  

“Inspired by America” is a collaboration among the critically acclaimed Cypress String Quartet, best-selling author Jacob Needleman and Emmy Award-winning film producer Michael Schwarz. The San Francisco-based Cypress String Quartet unifies this multimedia “conversation” with live music against the backdrop of a documentary film. Narrated by Needleman and rich in images of American people and landscapes, the film grapples with the complex dynamics of a country that, for example, is at once capable of penning the elegant Declaration of Independence and enslaving African-Americans.

The Cypress String Quartet plays contemporary selections as well as movements from pieces including Barber’s Adagio for Strings, Dvorak’s American Quartet, Griffes’ Two Sketches on Native American Themes and Ives String Quartet #1. A reviewer for the Los Angeles Times called “Inspired by America” a “thoughtful, often somber 90-minute multimedia meditation on the ambiguity of what America means — the promise and the dark realities that have subverted that promise.” The production has funding support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

“Inspired by America” is a wonderful opportunity for history, film and music enthusiasts, said Paul Lormand, director of the Fine and Performing Arts Center. “The presentation will generate discussion on what it means to be an American, especially relevant in an election year,” Lormand said.

Needleman, a professor of philosophy at San Francisco State University, is the author of numerous books, including “The American Soul,” which forms the foundation of the documentary’s commentary. Schwarz worked 20 years in public television and his production work has earned him scores of awards, including three Emmy and two Peabody awards. The Cypress String Quartet is Cecily Ward and Tom Stone on violins, Ethan Filner on viola and Jennifer Kloetzel on cello. The quartet-in residence at San Jose State University, the group has reached an estimated 100,000 students nationwide through educational activities and was named “Exemplary Arts Educators” by the California Arts Council.

Upcoming shows in the Galaxy of Stars Series include:

• The All-American Boys Chorus, “A Salute to America and Her Music,” March 14. The chorus performs hits ranging from Broadway selections to songs of the Beach Boys.

• Jim Witter: “The Long & Winding Road,” April 18. This Beatles tribute explores the complex relationship between Paul McCartney and John Lennon.

“Inspired by America” is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. in the main performance hall of the Fine and Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $25 for adults ($20 for adults 60 and older), $20 for WCU faculty and staff, $5 for students and $15 per person for groups of 15 or more. For reservations, to arrange to bring students to the matinee showing, or other information, contact the box office at (828) 227-2479 or visit http://wcufapac.ticketsxchange.com/.

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Last modified: Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008