Quest Ensemble: a Classical Trio Unchained

Why is it that we never think of classical music and improvisation together? Turns out, I’m not the only person who’s wondered that over the years. The new episode of the Right Brain Music Podcast explores that question, as we meet Quest Ensemble, a brillant contemporary classical trio from the UK.

The members of QE use improvisation as a foundation for their compositions. This gives their music an energy that can be missing in heavily scripted Western classical performances. It also breaks a rule that’s mysteriously become so widely accepted over the past couple of centuries that it’s essentially law: instrumentalists should play what’s written in front of them, period. The separation between composer and performer is another such rule. By making their own rules, QE charts a unique course forward in a field better known for known for exalting the past.

Violinist Preetha Narayanan, cellist Tara Franks and pianist Filipe Sousa. Photo by Grace Gelder.

In this podcast episode we get to know Preetha (violin), Tara (cello) and Filipe (piano). We also hear generous excerpts from their new album, The Other Side, which highlights their creativity and remarkable chemistry. These three musicians have extensive training, but also a grounded confidence in charting their own course. While appreciative of classical music’s commitment to excellence, they each remark on their reservations about the way it’s taught, and they way musicians are typically molded. They’ve also been insired by Indian music, jazz, rock, free improvisation and minimalist composers like Steve Reich. It all shows up, and The Other Side is a distinctive statement.

Quest Ensemble shows that artists can respect tradition while also leading in new and original directions.

Album cover artwork by Emmy Franks.