Over the last 20 years, New York-based string quartet Brooklyn Rider have established themselves as one of the world's leading new music ensembles, known for their adventurous collaborations with artists like Avi Avital, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bela Fleck, and Kayhan Kalhor (with whom they made their first appearance at Prague Sounds in 2010). The quartet has enjoyed a long and mutually-admiring relationship with legendary composer Philip Glass, and has recorded his complete works for string quartet across three acclaimed albums. They bring a specially-curated selection of Glass quartets to this year's festival, which they will perform in a unique multi-media format, tailor-made for Prague Sounds, at the high-tech Signal Space.

'They are four classical musicians performing with the energy of young rock stars jamming on their guitars'

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The music of Philip Glass has been part of Brooklyn Rider's DNA since the quartet's inception. Their very first programme included Glass's third quartet ('Mishima'), and over time the composer himself started attending their performances of his work. This led to their close collaboration on a performance of String Quartet no.8. Preparatory sessions at Glass's East Village apartment were revelatory for the ensemble - cellist Michael Nicholas recalls 'It was fascinating to work with a living composer. You expect the score to be fixed – the be-all and end-all, like a sacred text. But when Philip listened without the score in front of him, he came up with all kinds of ideas that weren’t in the printed music.'

For an ensemble known for their innovative approach to performance, it is perhaps unsurprising that Brooklyn Rider were keen to explore the possibility of an immersive multimedia setting for their Prague Sounds concert. With visuals created by Lunchmeat Studio in close collaboration the musicians and the festival, the concert promises be a unique experience for audience and performers alike.

Line up

Johnny Gandelsman – violin
Colin Jacobsen – violin
Nicholas Cords – viola
Michael Nicholas – cello

Program 

TEMPLES OF RESONANCE: Smyčcové kvartety Philipa Glasse
Smyčcový kvartet č. 7 (2014)
Smyčcový kvartet č. 2 „Company“ (1984)
Smyčcový kvartet č. 5 (1991)
Quartet Satz (2017)
Smyčcový kvartet č. 4 „Buczak“ (1989)
Smyčcový kvartet č. 3 „Mishima“ (1985)