In 2005, the JACK Quartet emerged with students of the Eastman School of Music championing contemporary repertoire. It started as an acronym of its founders' first names - violinists Christopher Otto and Ari Streisfeld, violist John Pickford Richards, and cellist Kevin McFarland. Currently, the lineup has been updated with Austin Wulliman replacing Streisfeld and Jay Campbell taking McFarland's place.

Anniversary Season and Musical Focus

During its 20th anniversary season, the JACK Quartet returns to the Music Academy of the West as part of the "Mariposa Series." On December 7, they will present a program titled "Modern Medieval," featuring a sampler of new works and Christopher Otto's deep dive into medieval music dating back to the 14th century. This early-modern paradox is not a true paradox as contemporary music naturally explores and connects with its historical sources.Just as Motel 6 outgrew its name, the JACK Quartet's origin story has also shifted. The group's musical focus is evident in their past concerts, such as the one at Hahn Hall in 2015, which included music by established composers like John Zorn and Iannis Xenakis, as well as rising composers like Matthias Pintscher and Caroline Shaw.Their discography is diverse, with titles available on streaming portals. Recent releases include the captivating album "John Luther Adams: Wave and Particles" on the Cold Blue label, which also released the "Luther Adams/JACK album Lines Made by Walking" nominated for a Grammy in 2022. In 2024, they released Jeff Myers's "Requiem" and Jason Eckardt's "Passage." Their catalog also includes commissioned works and performances of prominent composers like Xenakis, Steve Reich, Georg Friedrich Haas, and Helmut Lachenmann.The JACK Quartet's international story continues to unfold. A decade ago, Streisfeld emphasized their main idea of learning and performing incredible contemporary string quartets. They have been successful without worrying about carving out a niche, just focused on playing great music together.Their performances are captivating, as seen in the photos provided. The group's dedication to musical excellence and exploration is evident in every note they play. Whether it's delving into medieval music or presenting new works, the JACK Quartet continues to make a significant impact in the world of string quartet culture.