The String Orchestra of Brooklyn (SOB) is a classical music ensemble based in Brooklyn, New York. Founded in 2007 by artistic director Eli Spindel, the ensemble has become known for its innovative programming and commitment to contemporary music. Spindel, a violinist and conductor, had previously founded the Brooklyn Philharmonic Community Concert Series and was looking for a way to continue bringing classical music to the diverse communities of Brooklyn. He founded SOB with the goal of creating a professional-level string orchestra that could perform a wide range of repertoire, from Baroque to contemporary. The ensemble's core members are a group of highly skilled string players, many of whom are also active in the New York City freelance scene. The ensemble has also collaborated with a number of guest artists, including pianist Simone Dinnerstein and composer John Zorn. One of the highlights of SOB's early years was its 2010 performance of Terry Riley's "In C" at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The piece, which is considered a landmark of minimalist music, features a series of short musical phrases that are repeated and overlapped by the performers. SOB's performance was praised for its precision and energy, and helped to establish the ensemble as a force in the contemporary music scene. In 2012, SOB premiered a new work by composer and saxophonist John Zorn. The piece, titled "The Alchemist," was written specifically for the ensemble and featured a mix of composed and improvised sections. The performance was part of a larger festival of Zorn's music at the Miller Theatre in New York City. SOB has also been recognized for its commitment to education and community outreach. The ensemble has performed at a number of schools and community centers throughout Brooklyn, and has worked with young musicians through its annual Young Composers Competition. In 2015, SOB was awarded a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts to support its programming and outreach efforts. The grant helped to fund the ensemble's 2016-17 season, which included performances of works by composers such as Arvo Pärt and Philip Glass. One of the most ambitious projects in SOB's history was its 2018 performance of Steve Reich's "Music for 18 Musicians." The piece, which was written in 1976, features a large ensemble of musicians playing a series of interlocking rhythms and harmonies. SOB's performance, which featured 18 musicians and a team of sound engineers, was praised for its clarity and precision. In addition to its regular concert series, SOB has also collaborated with a number of other arts organizations in Brooklyn. In 2019, the ensemble performed as part of the Brooklyn Academy of Music's "Next Wave" festival, playing works by composers such as Caroline Shaw and Michael Gordon. Throughout its history, SOB has remained committed to its mission of bringing high-quality classical music to the diverse communities of Brooklyn. With its innovative programming and talented musicians, the ensemble has become a vital part of the city's cultural landscape.

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