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The Luna Nova Quartet (LNQ), Candy Sanderson–violin, Ben. Brussel–mandolin, Elizabeth Vandervennet–cello, Thomas Elliott–viola, was created in 2001 to infuse traditional chamber music with a compelling instrumental voice and fresh experience. LNQ engages the listener with innovative arrangements and contemporary interpretations of our communal musical heritage. Through contemporary expression, imaginative musical textures, original compositions, and folk music adaptations—LNQ engenders an interactive experience with the audience.

Based in San Francisco, LNQ’s unprecedented chamber music ensemble introduces the mandolin into an original and approachable format, as it has never been represented previously in the quartet medium. Combining the accessibly melodic layering of the mandolin, with the classical elements of the string ensemble, Luna Nova Quartet’s concept results in a captivating balance of the modern—inspired by the past.

In addition, the group features original interpretations of works by master composers, such as J.S. Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, Ludwig van Beethoven, Erik Satie, Gioacchino Rossini, and Antonin Dvorak. Luna Nova Quartet considers its repertoire a continual work in progress incorporating inventive ideas into an exciting performance presentation.

Luna Nova Quartet continues their mission of progressive growth, with expansion and focus to develop and increase audience participation, diversity, development and awareness through: residencies, innovative programming, conceptual concert series, educational presentations—and simply: enjoyable music for the ear, heart and soul.

LNQ is excited to introduce into 2006 performance venues the premiere of selected works from their original “Americana Folk Land” series. This series celebrates the richly diverse cultures and histories that weave the powerful aural tapestry of our American folk musical tradition. The mandolin is a featured instrument in American folk music, as well as violin. Audiences will revel in the soulful flavor and lushness of the melodic Americana material, and resonate with the artistic symmetry of the classical strings with mandolin.

Marlene Madell (published in SFFCM's May 2006 newsletter)

N.B. The information contained in this article was correct at time of publication. Please refer to the date the article appeared in our newsletter.