Composer

Violinist

The Turtle Island Quartet, renowned for its innovative approach to chamber music, will be performing as part of the University of Chicago's 2024/25 Classic Concert Series. Since its inception in 1985, the quartet has been at the forefront of blending classical quartet aesthetics with contemporary genres such as folk, bluegrass, swing, funk, R&B, and hip-hop. This unique fusion has earned them two GRAMMY Awards for Best Classical Crossover Album and a reputation for reviving centuries-old improvisational and compositional traditions.

Their program, Island Prayers, features imaginative new commissions by acclaimed composers Rhiannon Giddens, Terence Blanchard, and Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate. The performance will include pieces such as David Balakrishnan's The Second Wave and Little Mouse Jumps, as well as Giddens' Pompey Ran Away, Tate's Little Loksi, and Blanchard's Turtle Trajectory. These works showcase the quartet's ability to seamlessly integrate diverse musical styles, creating a rich tapestry of sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.

With over a dozen recordings and collaborations with artists like Terence Blanchard and Paquito D’Rivera, the Turtle Island Quartet continues to push the boundaries of what a string quartet can be, making them a standout ensemble in the world of contemporary chamber music.

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Turtle Island Quartet

Logan Center

NEA Jazz Master, two-time Emmy and Oscar nominee, and eight-time GRAMMY®-winning trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard has established himself as the quintessential 21st-century Renaissance man. In celebration of his artistic achievements, Blanchard will reimagine the music from his critically acclaimed album FLOW for a 20th-anniversary tour in 2025.

Terence Blanchard Featuring The E-Collective And The Turtle Island Quartet

Soka Performing Arts Center

Renowned for his trumpet prowess and composing skills, seven-time GRAMMY® Award winner Terence Blanchard makes his Severance Music Center debut with Absence, an evening of music honoring his mentor, jazz icon Wayne Shorter. Joined by longtime collaborators the E-Collective and Turtle Island Quartet, Blanchard celebrates both the brilliance of Shorter’s legacy and the inspiration he has given Blanchard, influencing his ever-expanding amalgam of music and storytelling.

Terence Blanchard and Friends: A Celebration of Wayne Shorter

Severance Music Center

Following their appearance with Terence Blanchard & E-Collective, the Turtle Island Quartet returns with Island Prayers. This performance features four new works co-commissioned by Savannah Music Festival, composed by founding violinist David Balakrishnan, Rhiannon Giddens, Terence Blanchard and Jerod Impichchaachaacha’ Tate.

Island Prayers: Turtle Island Quartet

Trustees Theater

Join us in welcoming jazz great and celebrated opera composer Terence Blanchard (Fire Shut Up in My Bones and Champion) and an incredible line-up to the Portland Opera stage for this one-night-only celebration. In collaboration with the Portland Opera Orchestra, we'll hear from guest stars for an unforgettable night of musical fusion and ensemble work. 

Portland Opera's Co-Artistic Advisor Karen Slack makes her Portland Opera debut, with guest artist and Portland-favorite Will Liverman. Plus, Maestro Damien Geter (Co-Artistic Advisor and Interim Music Director) makes his Portland Opera conducting debut.

ABSENCE: Terence Blanchard

Keller Auditorium

Renowned as a musical pioneer, cellist Matt Haimovitz has been praised by the New York Times as a “ferociously talented cellist who brings his megawatt sound and uncommon expressive gifts to a vast variety of styles.” In his solo program “Primavera”, he pairs unaccompanied Cello Suites by J.S. Bach with newer works that celebrate the return of spring.

Composer, Violinist

David Balakrishnan

Events

Past events

May 9, 2025

Turtle Island Quartet · UChicago Presents

Apr 12, 2025

Terence Blanchard Featuring The E-Collective And The Turtle Island Quartet · Soka University of America - Performing Arts Center

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