Counter)Induction is a contemporary classical music ensemble that was founded in 1998 by five musicians who were studying at Columbia University in New York City. The founding members were composers Kyle Bartlett and Douglas Boyce, violinist Miranda Cuckson, cellist Jessica Meyer, and pianist Ning Yu. The ensemble's name is a play on words, as it refers to both the musical term "counterpoint" and the idea of "induction" or reasoning from specific instances to general principles. From the beginning, Counter)Induction was committed to performing new music by living composers, with a particular focus on works that were experimental, challenging, and intellectually stimulating. The ensemble's repertoire includes works by a wide range of composers, from established figures like Elliott Carter, Milton Babbitt, and John Zorn to emerging talents like Dai Fujikura, Anna Thorvaldsdottir, and Sky Macklay. Over the years, the ensemble's membership has changed, with some members leaving and new ones joining. However, the core mission of Counter)Induction has remained the same: to champion new music and to push the boundaries of what is possible in contemporary classical music. One of the highlights of Counter)Induction's early years was the premiere of Elliott Carter's "Figment III" for solo cello, which was written for and dedicated to Jessica Meyer. The ensemble also performed works by other prominent composers, such as Milton Babbitt's "All Set" and John Zorn's "Cobra." In 2003, Counter)Induction released its debut album, "Against Method," which featured works by Kyle Bartlett, Douglas Boyce, and John Zorn. The album received critical acclaim and helped to establish the ensemble as a leading force in contemporary classical music. In the years that followed, Counter)Induction continued to perform and record new music, collaborating with a wide range of composers and performers. The ensemble has also been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including grants from the Aaron Copland Fund for Music, the Fromm Music Foundation, and the American Composers Forum. One of the ensemble's most notable performances was a concert at the Miller Theatre in New York City in 2010, which featured the premiere of Dai Fujikura's "Mina" for violin, cello, and piano. The piece was commissioned by Counter)Induction and was inspired by the Japanese folk tale of Momotaro. The concert also included works by Anna Thorvaldsdottir, Sky Macklay, and Douglas Boyce. In addition to its performances and recordings, Counter)Induction has also been active in education and outreach. The ensemble has conducted workshops and masterclasses for students at universities and conservatories around the world, and has worked with young composers to develop new works. Today, Counter)Induction is comprised of six members: violinist Miranda Cuckson, cellist Jessica Meyer, pianist Aaron Wunsch, clarinetist Benjamin Fingland, flutist and composer Douglas Boyce, and percussionist and composer Andrew McIntosh. The ensemble continues to be a leading force in contemporary classical music, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and inspiring audiences and composers alike.

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