ABOUT
Through creative and interactive programming, as well as a deep commitment to audience inclusion, PUBLIQuartet injects fresh perspective into the Classical music scene. Hailing from the Juilliard school, the Mannes College of Music, and the Eastman School of Music, Jessie Montgomery and Curtis Stewart, violins, Nick Revel, viola, and Amanda Gookin, cello, contribute a collective background in classical, jazz, world and electro acoustic performance. PUBLIQuartet presents standard and rare music from the classical repertoire, as well as contemporary compositions and open-form improvisations that expand, explore and extend the stylistic norms of the traditional string quartet.
Formed in Spring 2010, PUBLIQuartet aims to present the contemporary voices of New York City. With a focus on newly composed works by New York City’s emerging as well as established composers, PUBLIQuartet performs in a variety of venues from Lincoln Center, to homes, cafes and community spaces. PUBLIQuartet has been presented by Queens College, the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, Cirlcles and Lines and the Ridotto Concert Series. They have collaborated with members of the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE), New York City’s new-wave staple Lev ‘Ljova’ Zurbin, and internationally acclaimed pianist Aksel Kolstad. PUBLIQuartet has worked with members of the Muir, Juilliard, Orion, Mendelssohn, Tokyo and American String Quartets, as well as acclaimed composers Joan Tower and Butch Morris. Individually, the members have worked with renowned artists such as Joshua Bell, Sigor Ros for Lincoln Center’s White Light Festival, Matt Heimowitz, Henry Threadgill, Jimmy Heath, the Orion String Quartet, Wyclef Jean, Don Byron, Edmar Casteneda, Matt Wilson, and Joan Tower.
PUBLIQuartet’s strength is found in its ability to connect with listeners, bridging the performer-listener gap through audience dialogue and involvement. PQ were featured artists for the Socrates Sculpture Park's annual Gala, supporting their endeavor to encourage “strong interaction between artists, artworks and the public.” Their new concert series, MIND/THE/GAP, explores ways to connect old and new music by bridging musical content through improvisation. Current and upcoming projects include a residency at the Turtle Bay Music School in collaboration with composer Joshua Green; a performance at Symphony Space for the Music of Now Marathon; and a showcase presented by the American Composers Orchestra featuring the music of Jessie Montgomery.