The Gray Cottage String Quartet

John Hollenbeck, one of modern music's most creative drummers, percussionists and composers, joins forces with one of Austria's leading contemporary music ensembles, the Koehne Quartet, for a performance that pushes the boundaries of genres.

John Hollenbeck, Grammy-nominated composer and percussionist, is known for groundbreaking projects such as GEORGE, Claudia Quintet, John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble. His collaborations with other musical icons (such as Meredith Monk and Bob Brookmeyer) are characterised, like his work The Gray Cottage String Quartet, by a playful virtuosity and boundless creativity.

Hollenbeck is a master of combining jazz, contemporary music and beyond, constantly exploring new avenues and creating works that transcend categories, constantly surprising him and his audience. His bold adventures in sound and structure have made him one of the most respected and exciting figures in contemporary music.

Hollenbeck is joined by the Koehne Quartet, a dynamic formation. Founded in 1987, the quartet is known for its cutting-edge interpretations of contemporary music and has worked with Dave Liebman, Anthony Braxton and Wayne Horvitz. Their playing combines classical precision with the spontaneity of jazz improvisation, creating a rich, expressive sound that transcends traditional frameworks.

The evening will feature Hollenbeck's new string quartet collection, Gray Cottage String Quartet, recently released as part of the Synthesis project, produced by Ryan Truesdell. This work reflects Hollenbeck's "American side" while showcasing the adventurous, improvisational spirit that characterizes both Hollenbeck and the Koehne Quartet. The program also includes several other innovative compositions by Hollenbeck that further explore the intersection of jazz, classical music and improvisational art.