Spektral Quartet

Last updated
Spektral Quartet
Origin Chicago, United States
Genres Classical, Contemporary classical music
Occupation String quartet
Instrument(s)2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello
Years active2010–2022
Labels Sono Luminus, Azica Records, Parlour Tapes+, New Amsterdam Records
Past membersClara Lyon (violin) 2014-2022
Theo Espy (violin) 2017-2022
Doyle Armbrust (viola) 2010-2022
Russell Rolen (cello) 2010-2022
Aurelien Fort Pederzoli (violin) 2010-2014
J. Austin Wulliman (violin) 2010-2017
Website www.spektralquartet.com

Spektral Quartet was a Chicago-based string quartet known for its commitment to contemporary music, interdisciplinary collaborations, and innovative audience engagement. Active from 2010 to 2022, the ensemble was celebrated for blending traditional string quartet repertoire with new works by living composers. Over its twelve-year career, Spektral Quartet performed at major venues and festivals, commissioned dozens of new works, and released multiple critically acclaimed albums. [1]

Contents

History

Founded in 2010, Spektral Quartet quickly gained recognition for its bold programming and deep engagement with Chicago’s contemporary music scene. [2] Their work emphasized collaboration with composers, visual artists, and interdisciplinary creators, culminating in a repertoire that spanned classical, experimental, and avant-garde music. The quartet's commitment to pushing artistic boundaries led to notable projects such as Mobile Miniatures [3] , a commissioning initiative involving dozens of composers including George E. Lewis, Nico Muhly, Shulamit Ran and Augusta Read Thomas, and Once More, With Feeling! [4] , a concert format allowing audiences to hear new works twice in a single performance.

From 2012 to 2019, Spektral Quartet served as the Ensemble-in-Residence at the University of Chicago’s Department of Music, where they worked closely with faculty and students, premiered new compositions, and engaged in educational outreach.

In 2022, Spektral Quartet announced the conclusion of its work as an ensemble, marking the end of an era for one of the leading string quartets in contemporary music. The ensemble’s farewell was met with critical acclaim, with The Chicago Tribune reflecting on their lasting impact on the chamber music world. [5]

Discography

Spektral Quartet Albums

Recordings featuring Spektral Quartet

Articles and reviews

Awards and Recognition

Legacy

Spektral Quartet left a lasting impact on contemporary chamber music, pushing the boundaries of traditional string quartet repertoire while fostering deep collaborations with composers, artists, and audiences. Their interdisciplinary projects, commitment to education, and dedication to new music established them as one of the most forward-thinking ensembles of their era.

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References

  1. ↑ "Ensemble". Spektral Quartet. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
  2. ↑ "Spektral Quartet at Chopin Theatre | Classical preview". Time Out Chicago. Archived from the original on 2015-05-31. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
  3. ↑ "Mobile Miniatures". Spektral Quartet. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
  4. ↑ "Once More, With Feeling!". Spektral Quartet. 2019-12-09. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
  5. ↑ Tribune, Hannah Edgar | Chicago (2022-04-05). "After more than a decade, Chicago's Spektral Quartet hangs up its bows. The Grammy-nominated group is going out 'with a bang.'". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
  6. ↑ "CHAMBERS, by Spektral Quartet". Parlour Tapes+. Retrieved 2016-06-22.
  7. ↑ "From this Point Forward". Azica. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
  8. ↑ "Julien Labro & the Spectral QuartetFrom this Point Forward | Azica Records Online". azica.com. Retrieved 2016-06-22.
  9. ↑ "Sono Luminus - Serious Business". www.sonoluminus.com. Retrieved 2016-06-22.
  10. 1 2 "59th Annual GRAMMY Awards | GRAMMY.com". grammy.com. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
  11. ↑ "Spektral Quartet: Experiments in Living | Catalogue". New Focus Recordings. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
  12. ↑ "ENIGMA". Sono Luminus | Recording Studio & Record Label. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
  13. ↑ "Spektral Quartet, With Julia Holter and Alex Temple, Release a Masterpiece: Behind the Wallpaper - SPIN" . Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  14. ↑ "Chausson – Franck | Aparte Music". www.apartemusic.com. Retrieved 2016-06-22.
  15. ↑ "Augusta Read Thomas: Of Being Is A Bird". www.wyastone.co.uk. Retrieved 2016-06-22.
  16. ↑ "Augusta Read Thomas: Ritual Incantations". www.wyastone.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
  17. ↑ "Cycles and Arrows, by Anthony Cheung". New Focus Recordings. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
  18. ↑ "Nathalie Joachim: Fanm d'Ayiti". www.nathaliejoachim.bandcamp.com. Retrieved 2020-10-02.
  19. 1 2 "62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards | GRAMMY.com". grammy.com. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
  20. 1 2 "61st Annual GRAMMY Awards | GRAMMY.com". grammy.com. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
  21. ↑ "Kotoka Suzuki: Shimmer, Tree". Starkland. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
  22. ↑ "More than $80 Million in Arts Funding Awarded Across the Nation". www.arts.gov. 2019-05-16. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
  23. ↑ "National Endowment for Arts Announces Second Round of Grants for FY 2022". www.arts.gov. 2022-05-18. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
  24. ↑ Content, Contributed (2017-12-28). "Chicagoans of the Year 2017". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
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