The wonderful SAKURA cello quintet, all former students of Ralph Kirshbaum, commissioned Carving an Alphabet (a book of twelve madrigals for five cellos) through New Music USA for the 2020 International Piatigorsky Festival at Disney Hall. Postponed by Covid, the piece is coming to life in recent seasons, including these performances, and a recording of the entire set in May. Boston Court, Pasadena, 8pm March 13.