 Its name derived from creation mythology found in Native American folklore, the Turtle Island String Quartet, since it's 1986 inception in Oakland, California, has been a singular force in the creation of bold new trends in chamber music for strings. Cellist nonpareil Yo Yo Ma has proclaimed TISQ "to be a unified voice that truly breaks new ground--authentic and passionate--a reflection of some of the most creative music-making today." By Turtle Island's fusing of the classical quartet esthetic with 20th century American popular styles, and by devising a performance practice that honors both, the state of the art has inevitably been redefined. One result of this evolution can be seen in Turtle Island's phenomenal international appeal, particularly in Europe, where chamber music and sporting events seem to have achieved parity. What was once termed "alternative" chamber music is now firmly inhabiting the mainstream. From their unusual and endemic "re-compositions" of works by the "old masters," to the development of repertory by some of today's cutting edge young composers, to performances and recording with major symphonic ensembles, to a determined educational commitment, and of course continued development and refinement of the skills that made all of this possible in the first place, TISQ promises to be a string quartet for the next century.
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