ANDREW WK with THE CALDER QUARTET

Friday 12:00 AM at the Square Room
Andrew W.K. + The Calder Quartet

BENJAMIN JACOBSON, violin
ANDREW BULBROOK, violin
JONATHAN MOERSCHEL, viola
ERIC BYERS, cello

Inspired by the innovative American artist Alexander Calder, the Calder Quartet continues to expand its unique array of projects by performing traditional quartet repertoire as well as partnering with innovative modern composers, emerging musicians, and performers across genres.   They have quickly asserted themselves as one of the most exciting musical ensembles working today.

The Calder Quartet released their first recording in 2008.  Strings Magazine called the album “an almost delirious display of rich coloration and complex textures.” Shortly afterwards, their live performance on New York’s WNYC-FM was voted one of the “Best of 2008.”

2009 has been monumental for the quartet, with unique collaborations with artists ranging from Terry Riley to party rocker Andrew W.K.. The Calder Quartet has also been teaming up extensively with indie rock band The Airborne Toxic Event, including performances on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic, the Late Show with David Letterman, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and at Coachella Music and Arts Festival.
The group was awarded the 2009 ASCAP Adventurous Programming Award in recognition of its exciting programming and collaborations.

The Calder Quartet has a special relationship with composer Terry Riley, whom they met when they shared a concert as part of the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Minimalist Jukebox Festival in 2006.   During the Big Ears weekend, they will be performing a program of Riley’s string quartets, collaborating with the inimitable Andrew WK, and are promising more than a few additional surprises.  We can’t wait!