A powerful collaboration between Bak’s “haunting lyrical grace” (Gramophone) and the Escher Quartet’s “eloquent, full-blooded playing” (BBC Music Magazine)

Award-winning Jamaican-American violist Jordan Bak joins the celebrated Escher Quartet for the opening concert of our 2024–25 MainStage Live season. Embodying the range of artistic voices that have shaped chamber music, this program pairs 20th century works by Samuel Barber and Florence Price with a string quintet by Johannes Brahms.

Named for M.C. Escher’s method of interplay between individual components working together as a whole, the Escher Quartet is lauded for its “beautiful blend of individuality and accord” (BBC Music Magazine). The Quartet has built a reputation for profound musical insight and rare tonal beauty over nearly two decades performing together. Beyond serving as season artists of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Quartet tours many of the great music halls of America and Europe. 

Jordan Bak has achieved international acclaim as a trailblazing artist, praised for his radiant stage presence, dynamic interpretations, and fearless power. Playing with “haunting lyrical grace” (Gramophone), Bak has performed as a soloist with leading orchestras and toured internationally. Bak is “an exciting new voice in Classical performance” (I Care If You Listen), championing new music by composers shaping the field.

The Escher Quartet features Adam Barnett-Hart on violin, Brendan Speltz on violin, Pierre LaPointe on viola, and Brook Speltz on cello.