Timeliness and topicality can be tricky for a classical ensemble to pull off convincingly. But the Sirius Quartet—a group that emphasizes new music, including works composed by its members—hits the target on its latest recording, “New World”, a collection of songs reflecting on immigration, discrimination, and the quest for hope.
— Steve Smith, The New Yorker
Sirius Quartet has released a brand-new album of original compositions and evocative arrangements of classic tunes: New World, out August 23rd on Zoho Music, features Sirius Quartet's signature blend of classical, jazz and improvisational techniques over ten exquisite tracks. The title track "New World, Nov. 9, 2016" ominously refers to the shadow cast by the election of Donald Trump to the presidency. “With two immigrant violinists, we in the quartet feel that it’s important to create music that speaks to the moment in which we live and gives hope,” says composer and violinist Gregor Huebner. The piece was originally written for the “New World Initiative”, a composition competition by the New York Philharmonic, and it also received its Grand Prize in 2017. The success of this work inspired the quartet to create this entire album that deals with similar themes.
To celebrate the release of this album, Sirius Quartet will be playing at Rite of Summer, a series of free concerts on NYC’s Governor’s Island, on Sept. 7th at 1pm and 3pm. This concert and their new album was recently highlighted by Steve Smith in “Goings On About Town” in The New Yorker! Read more here.