Spektral Quartet is a Chicago-based classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their innovative and dynamic performances since their founding in 2010. The quartet is made up of violinists Clara Lyon and Maeve Feinberg, violist Doyle Armbrust, and cellist Russell Rolen. Together, they have become known for their adventurous programming, which often includes contemporary works alongside more traditional repertoire. The quartet was founded by Lyon and Rolen, who had previously played together in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. They were joined by Armbrust and Feinberg, both of whom had established careers as soloists and chamber musicians. The quartet quickly gained a reputation for their electrifying performances and their commitment to exploring new and challenging works. One of the highlights of the quartet's early career was their residency at the University of Chicago, where they worked closely with composer Augusta Read Thomas. During this time, they premiered several of Thomas's works, including her string quartet Helix Spirals. The quartet also collaborated with Thomas on a recording of her complete string quartets, which was released in 2017. In addition to their work with Thomas, the quartet has commissioned and premiered works by a number of other contemporary composers, including David Fulmer, George Lewis, and Hans Thomalla. They have also collaborated with a wide range of musicians and artists, from jazz pianist Vijay Iyer to visual artist Luftwerk. One of the quartet's most notable performances was their 2016 concert at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The concert, which was part of the museum's MetLiveArts series, featured a program of works by contemporary composers, including Thomas Adès, John Zorn, and Morton Feldman. The quartet's performance was praised by The New York Times, which called it "a gripping, intense and beautifully played program." The quartet has also been recognized for their recordings, which have received critical acclaim and several awards. Their 2018 album, Serious Business, which features works by composers Hans Thomalla and Chris Fisher-Lochhead, was named one of the best classical albums of the year by The New York Times. Their 2017 album, Mobile Miniatures, which features short works by a variety of contemporary composers, was awarded a Grammy nomination for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance. In addition to their performances and recordings, the quartet is committed to education and outreach. They have worked with students at the University of Chicago and the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, and have also developed a program called Mobile Miniatures, which invites composers to create short works that can be performed by amateur musicians on mobile devices. Overall, Spektral Quartet has established themselves as one of the most exciting and innovative classical music ensembles of their generation. With their adventurous programming, electrifying performances, and commitment to new and challenging works, they have earned a devoted following and numerous accolades.

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