Since its foundation in 1985 the Turtle Island Quartet has established itself as a unique creative ensemble, trailblazing bold new developments in chamber music. Awarded the Grammy for best classical crossover album in 2006 and 2008, Turtle Island combines classical aesthetics with modern American musical styles. Renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma described the quartet as “groundbreaking, authentic and passionate – a reflection of the most original trends in the music scene today”. The Turtle Island Quartet – taking its name from Native American mythology – was the brainchild of violinist David Balakrishnan during his studies in San Francisco in the early 1980s. Following his singular musical vision, he founded a quartet that has improvisation at its heart and in which each member also contributes as a composer. Turtle Island continues a tradition that has been lost over time in classical music; after all, 200 years ago performers were also trained in improvisation and composition. Turtle Island applies this philosophy to the present day: each quartet member has received instruction in jazz in addition to their classical studies.
For over 30 years, the Turtles have made excursions into folk, bluegrass, swing, bebop, funk, rock and the music of Latin America and India. The quartet’s discography comprises 15 records including their latest Grammy-nominated CD Confetti Man, released on labels such as Windham Hill, Chandos, Koch, Telarc and Azica. They have also contributed to soundtracks for Hollywood film productions and regularly collaborate with prominent artists including the clarinettist Paquito D’Rivera, the vibraphonist Stefon Harris, guitarists such as Leo Kottke and the Assad Brothers, the vocal ensemble Manhattan Transfer, pianists Billy Taylor, Kenny Barron, Cyrus Chestnut and Ramsey Lewis, the Ying Quartet and singers such as Tierney Sutton and Nellie McKay.
With a unique and constantly evolving repertoire of original compositions and contemporary arrangements, as well as its commitment to education with regular masterclasses, and of course its countless performances, the Turtle Island Quartet is considered one of the most pioneering string quartets from the “New World” in the 21st century.