Talking With The Mēla Guitar Quartet – March 3, 2025

This week on "Talk About Las Vegas With Ira," Ira sits down with Matthew Robinson and Zahrah Hutton of The Mēla Guitar Quartet, who are set to close out the UNLV Performing Arts Center’s 48th Season with a spectacular concert on March 15 at the Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall. In this episode, Matthew and Zahrah dive into the origins of the quartet, revealing how their unique collaboration took shape and why four musicians create the perfect balance of tex-ture and harmony. They discuss the art of dividing musical roles to sustain melody, the fluid and egalitarian nature of a quartet, and how their sound contrasts with a traditional string quartet. They also explore the intricacies of their performances—how selections are chosen, the universal appeal of their music, and the energy of taking an audience on a journey from electrifying highs to tender, intimate moments. Zahrah shares her unique perspective on transitioning from an audience member to a performer within the group, and the duo high-lights the value of fresh voices joining the quartet. Plus, they break down an exhilarating example from Flight of the Bumblebee, discuss why a producer becomes the quartet’s “fifth member” in the recording studio, and explain why having both musical and technical ears listening is essential for their craft. Don’t miss this deep dive into the artistry, collaboration, and passion behind The Mēla Guitar Quartet! (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)