New Muse4tet

Gwen Laster (violin), Melanie Dyer (viola), Teddy Rankin Parker (cello), Andrew Drury (drums)

“The members of New MUSE4tet rocket us into the fourth dimension on this beautiful invitation to openness.. These 21st century messengers of enlightenment, engagement and healing are firmly rooted in the wisdom of the ancients. But they also pose the fundamental questions we ask ourselves today. What a wonderful source of meditation and artful inspiration and celebration they are, in this world and beyond.” – Grammy Awarding-winning producer Leo Sacks

Founded by Violinist/Composer Gwen Laster, New MUSE4tet’s artistic expression spoke to the people as an improvising string quartet offering 20th and 21st century new works and original compositions as a vehicle for social activism. As classical alternative trained players who are improvisors, we are drawn to through composed music that features improvisational dialogue, self expression and original works steeped in traditional jazz, modern jazz, and music from the African diaspora. While staying rooted in these traditions, we improvise to inside form, outside/free, through-composed and un-notated concepts. By setting these programming standards, we believe improvising to be the highest form of self expression and freedom. We conjure up this art form to engage our listeners in a personal reflection that speaks to the inclusion of multiculturalism as relevant to all conversations in, around and about music. The ensemble’s debut recording Blue Lotus included the commissioned work “Black Lives Matter Suite” which continues to draw great listeners and reviews. New Muse 4tet is excited to perform music of their latest new works from their upcoming album “Keepers of the Flame” to be released in Spring 2025. The members are: Gwen Laster-violin, Melanie Dyer- violist, cellist Teddy Rankin Parker and Andrew Drury drummer and percussion.