"This unique, jazzy four piece continues to entertain with its distinctive brand of tight, impressive bow-etry in motion." - Billboard Magazine.

View full program here.

Experience four brand new works from Turtle Island Quartet! Since its inception in 1985, the group has been a singular force in the creation of bold, new trends in chamber music for strings, as their signature style has fused jazz, American roots & new, innovative string techniques. Winners of the 2006 and 2008 Grammy Awards for Best Classical Crossover Album, Turtle Island has merged the classical quartet instrumentation with contemporary American musical styles. And now, they embark on a new adventure! In the past three years, the group - resident composer, artistic director and violinist David Balakrishnan with violinist Gabriel Terracciano, violist Benjamin von Gutzeit and cellist Naseem Alatrash – has transitioned from an ensemble that primarily features a variety of arranged works to one that commissions and creates original music.

A major statement in this realm, Island Prayers is an ambitious, multi-composer extravaganza co-commissioned by Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Meany Performing Arts Center, The Music Hall (Portsmouth NH), Savannah Music Hall & Emory University. The project features New York Premieres of works written by the quartet’s founder Balakrishnan; six-time GRAMMY Award-winner and double Oscar Award-nominee Terence Blanchard; MacArthur Genius fellow, singer and banjo player Rhiannon Giddens; and New Music USA composer-in-residence and Joyce Award winner Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate.

The evening is part of See Me As I Am, Lincoln Center’s year-long celebration of Terence Blanchard. This group of crossover magicians will bring you an unforgettable evening of new music!

Turtle Island Quartet
David Balakrishnan, resident composer, artistic director, and violinist
Gabriel Terracciano, violinist
Benjamin von Gutzeit, violist
Naseem Alatrash, cellist

David Balakrishnan, Little Mouse Jumps
Rhiannon Giddens, Pompey Ran Away (NY Premiere)
Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate, Little Loksi’ (NY Premiere)
David Balakrishnan, Island Prayers (NY Premiere)
      I. Dialogue
      II. Atonement
      III. Redemption
Intermission
David Balakrishnan, Groove in the Louvre
David Balakrishnan, Darkness Dreaming
Terence Blanchard, Turtle Trajectory (NY Premiere)
David Balakrishnan, The Second Wave

Run time: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission

If you have any questions about this event, please contact Guest Experience at 212-875-5456 or [email protected].