Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The JACK Quartet is a contemporary classical music ensemble that has gained international recognition for their innovative and dynamic performances. The quartet was formed in 2005 at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, and consists of violinists Christopher Otto and Austin Wulliman, violist John Pickford Richards, and cellist Jay Campbell. The quartet takes its name from the initials of its members, and also as a nod to the game of jacks, which requires precision and coordination. From the beginning, the quartet has been committed to performing new and challenging works by living composers, and has commissioned and premiered over 200 new pieces. One of the quartet's early successes was their performance of Georg Friedrich Haas's String Quartet No. 3, which is played entirely in the dark. The quartet's ability to navigate the complex and unconventional score, while also creating a powerful and immersive experience for the audience, earned them critical acclaim and helped to establish their reputation as a leading ensemble in contemporary classical music. Since then, the quartet has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible in classical music, collaborating with composers and performers from a wide range of genres and backgrounds. They have performed at major venues and festivals around the world, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Edinburgh International Festival. In addition to their performances, the quartet has also been recognized for their recordings, which have received numerous awards and nominations. Their album "Everything That Rises" was named one of the best classical albums of 2013 by The New York Times, and their recording of John Luther Adams's "The Wind in High Places" won the 2017 Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance. One of the quartet's most notable collaborations was with the composer and performer Mivos Quartet, with whom they formed the "Radical Sounds" project. The project brought together composers and performers from diverse backgrounds to explore the intersections of classical music, experimental music, and social justice. The quartet has also worked with the composer and performer Tyshawn Sorey, who has described their collaboration as "a meeting of minds and spirits." Throughout their career, the JACK Quartet has remained committed to pushing the boundaries of classical music and exploring new possibilities for the string quartet. Their innovative and dynamic performances have earned them critical acclaim and a devoted following, and they continue to be one of the most exciting and influential ensembles in contemporary classical music.

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