Michael J. Evans is an American composer based in Washington, D.C. He has recorded with the wonderful pianist Karolin Rojahn, as well as the St Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra, Millennium Symphony Orchestra, Kiev Philharmonic, Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, and, the Moravian Philharmonic.
He recently recorded his anti-concerto for Bassoon with the winner of the 66th Prague Spring International Music Competition, Jan Hudeček. His works are currently released on the Navona label of PARMA Recordings.
Internationally acclaimed veterans of contemporary music, Sirius Quartet creates unforgettable musical events that combine exhilarating repertoire with unequaled improvisational fire. The group’s forward-thinking, genre-defying approach with collaborations in post-rock, avant-jazz and electronic music makes labels like ‘New Music’ sound passé.
Born and bred in NYC’s downtown music scene, Sirius has performed at major venues around the globe. Having premiered works by the likes of Phil Kline, Uri Caine and Richard Einhorn, Sirius pushes beyond the conventional vocabulary of string instruments with bold, original works by its own members, incorporating improvisation, extended techniques and undeniable grooves. These conservatory-trained performer/composers shine with precision, soul and a raw energy rarely witnessed in concert.
The quartet has performed at many important US venues, including Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, LACMA, the Andy Warhol Museum (co-presented by Music on the Edge), Tribeca New Music, American Composers Alliance Music Festival, Chelsea Music Festival and The Kitchen. International appearances include the 2013 Stuttgart Jazz Fest, the 2013 Beijing Music Festival, Bern University of the Arts, the National Academy in Ochsenhausen, the 2012 Tianjin International Jazz Festival, the University of Music and Theater in Munich, the 2011 Taichung Jazz Festival, Köln’s Musik Triennale, and Musique Actuelle in Victoriaville, Canada.
Sirius Quartet has also shared studio and stage with the likes of Diane Reeves, Billy Martin (Medeski Martin and Wood), Jeremy Pelt, John Zorn, Uri Caine, John Escreet, Mike Block, Theo Bleckmann, John Patitucci, Ivo Perelman, Matthew Shipp, Nick Didkovsky, Mikael Karlsson, Elliot Sharp, Linda Oh and many others.
With their latest album Colors of the East, Sirius Quartet puts forward the explosive, genre-defying compositions of violinist Gregor Huebner on full display. The title track is a piece inspired by Huebner’s own Romani heritage, rife with Balkan melodies and odd-metered grooves galore. Colors of the East sees the quartet’s ranks bolstered by the addition of accordion virtuoso Peter Stan and upright powerhouse Pascal Niggenkemper. Rounding out the album is Huebner’s String Quintet, a labyrinthine trip through the dissonant sound worlds of the classical avant-garde and modern jazz, and his New York Suite for string quartet, a homage to the city that Huebner has called home for the last 20 years; each movement a sonic snapshot of a different NYC neighborhood or locale. These pieces feature Gregor’s brother Veit Huebner on bass, and Sirius alumnus Mike Block on cello, respectively.
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Navona Records offers listeners a fresh taste of today's leading innovators in orchestral, chamber, instrumental, and experimental music as well as prime pieces of classic repertoire. Our music is meticulously performed by the finest musicians and handpicked to ensure the most rewarding listening experience.
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