Nationally Acclaimed String Quartet ETHEL Joins Unbound Artists

NEW YORK, NY (For Release 10.01.2020) — Unbound Artists today announced that ETHEL has joined its roster for representation in the United States. 

ETHEL — Ralph Farris (viola), Kip Jones (violin), Dorothy Lawson (cello), and Corin Lee (violin) -— is one of America’s most adventurous string quartets. Known for its enlivened playing and unique programs, ETHEL has been described as “indefatigable and eclectic” (The New York Times), “vital and brilliant” (The New Yorker), and “infectiously visceral” (Pitchfork). Since its inception, ETHEL has released nine feature recordings (one of them nominated for a Native American Music Award), performed as guests on 40 albums, premiered 225 new works, won a GRAMMY® with jazz legend Kurt Elling, and performed in 14 countries, 45 states, and 250 cities.

“It is an utmost pleasure to welcome ETHEL to the Unbound artist community. It was not easy to make the decision to add any artist to the roster during the COVID-19 pandemic, when we are all faced with incredible challenges, as well as opportunities, for the performing arts community. But what has become clearest to me about the value of art during these unprecedented times is the force that artists can wield to tell our stories -- with assurance, heart, and specificity. ETHEL employs these storytelling abilities with aplomb and virtuosity, creating music that defies definitions of chamber music, and performing beloved performances that reach into the heart of our human curiosity and care for one another.” - Greg Kastelman, President & Founder of Unbound Artists LLC

About ETHEL          
In the hands of ETHEL, American music is alive and well.” (The Washington Post) Established in New York City in 1998, ETHEL quickly earned a reputation as one of America’s most adventurous string quartets. More than 20 years later, the band continues to set the standard for contemporary concert music. Known for its enlivened playing, blending uptown, conservatory musicianship with downtown genre-crossing, ETHEL has been described as “indefatigable and eclectic” (The New York Times), “vital and brilliant” (The New Yorker), and “infectiously visceral” (Pitchfork). Since its inception, ETHEL has released nine feature recordings (one of them nominated for a Native American Music Award), premiered 225 compositions, performed as guests on 40 albums, won a GRAMMY® with jazz legend Kurt Elling, and performed in 14 countries, 45 states, and 250 cities.

At the heart of ETHEL is a collaborative ethos — a quest for a common creative expression that is forged in the celebration of community. The quartet creates and tours rich, often multimedia, productions including the evening-length ETHEL’s Documerica, inspired by the tens of thousands of images shot in the 1970’s as part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s decade-long Project Documerica; The River, a collaboration with Taos Pueblo flutist Robert Mirabal; Grace, a journey highlighting musical iterations of redemption and featuring ETHEL’s own adaptation of Ennio Morricone’s moving score to the 1986 film, The Mission; Ancient Airs and Dances, a journey to European Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque Eras; and Circus – Wandering City, which explores the phenomenon of circus through the eyes and insights of people who have created its special thrills and illusions. This season marks the fourth chapter of ETHEL’s HomeBaked Project, an initiative showcasing emerging composers. The Class of 2020 composers had their pieces premiered by ETHEL at National Sawdust and will be featured in a May 2020 festival at the Brooklyn Public Library.  

ETHEL is currently the Resident Ensemble at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Balcony Bar, Ensemble-in-Residence at Denison University, and 2019-20 Creatives-in- Residence at the Brooklyn Public Library. 

ETHEL is Ralph Farris (viola), Kip Jones (violin), Dorothy Lawson (cello), and Corin Lee (violin).

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