Nestled at the edge of Koreatown, Quartetto Fantastico played a sold out intimate concert at Monk Space in Los Angeles on September 15th, 2024.

Quartetto Fantastico is Chris Woods (violin), Paul Cartwright (violin), Miguel Atwood-Ferguson (viola), Peter Jacobson (cello). The projection art for the evening was created by Jesse Gilbert (visuals).

The evening was a celebration of the 10 year anniversary of the group’s double album ‘Music For Dreams’ of improvised cinematic improvisations (Vol. 1 and Vol. 2). The show featured original compositions, numerous completely improvised vignettes, as well as arrangements of music from Henri Dutilleux, Béla Bartók, Paul Hindemith, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Erik Satie.

Greeted by a kind-eyed, curly-haired host, I checked into the venue. Conversation and laughter echoed from the courtyard, and Monk Space felt alluring and intimate. The venue promotes human-first connection, so that creatives can tell better stories & make authentic art.

The space was buzzing with creativity. It felt special, yet familial. Welcoming, and casual, all at the same time.

Winding my way to a seat for the show, I was immediately struck by the stage setup. The string quartet was positioned to sit in a circle, and the performance area was separated from the audience on two sides by a piece of white chiffon fabric suspended from the ceiling. The fabric was delicate enough to see through and robust enough to hold the projection art that occurred during the performance.

The musicians walked out, dressed in all white, and Miguel was overheard saying “I love you” to his family before descending to the stage.

The show was anything but conventional, and the charm of the evening was in the unexpected.

The group presented music attacca style, intentionally creating a musical flow from one piece to the next. The music was different from what you might expect from a string quartet. The classical compositions had their own unique twists and turns – catered and arranged to the group, the players, and the musical strengths of the group.

To give you a taste of how they mixed things up, where we might expect to hear an arco viola on “Vocalise”, we got pizzicato accompaniment instead. The group made each piece entirely their own.

I delighted in Quartetto Fantastico’s communication with one another throughout the performance. Their deep listening skills and their heart sets them apart as an ensemble. The evening was just as much about the music as it was about the connection between the players.

It was unique to see a string quartet improvise. And it is clear the group had spent countless hours, days, and years pouring themselves into the craft of improvisation as an ensemble. Witnessing their creations felt as easy as taking a breath. How the group played music together seemed so natural and obvious.

Quartetto Fantastico is a supergroup, each musician a phenomenal player in their own right. It was beautiful to witness the players shine as individuals with the same intensity and cohesiveness they have as an ensemble.

Miguel and Peter racked up the most points for unbridled smiles during the performance. You often saw them glancing up during improvisations, with curiosity and joy, like children at play.

Paul surprised me with his ability to hold down a rhythmic violin part one moment only to instantly transition to a soaring improvised line that was auditorily satisfying. His precision, poise, confidence, and musicality were on full display. How does one human do that, all while wearing the coolest glasses?!

Chris contributed stunning original pieces and showcased his versatility in soaring stratospheric high notes, heart wrenching melodies, and compelling improvised lines. I was especially impressed with his improvised accompaniment to a piece co-created with the audience called “Imagination, Pomegranate & Ecstasy” – his improvisation was driving yet delicate, confident yet tender.

Peter always had his antennas up, especially on improvised pieces. I noticed his innate sensibility to play emotive melodic lines in his higher register to then cascade into his lower register – acting as the bass instrument and foundation for the group at the exact right moment. Peter brought immense care to the story and message behind the music.

Miguel was such a powerhouse, as he always is! His versatility on the viola was a marvel to witness and I loved hearing his sensitivity as a player. I especially delighted in the dream-like quality he created when playing artificial harmonics. One of Miguel’s superpowers is his ability to suspend our auditory disbelief and encourage us as listeners to truly believe anything is possible.

The evening was enhanced by projection art from Jesse Gilbert. His visuals weaved in and out as the music progressed, alternating between mesmerizing designs and real time footage of the musicians. The visuals lulled us into an alternate universe, encouraging the audience to let go, and be immersed in the experience.

If you didn’t know about this concert, you missed something very special.

While we don’t know when this group will perform again, keep your ears peeled for their next concert announcement…

Make sure you go sign up for Miguel’s email list so your notified about the next show here:

https://www.miguelatwoodferguson.com/

Also make sure to follow each of these brilliant musicians on their respective platforms:

https://www.instagram.com/quartettofantastico_official/

https://www.instagram.com/miguelatwoodferguson/

https://www.instagram.com/pjcartwright/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/chriswoodsviolin/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/hellacello/?hl=en

Yours in music, art, and community,

Kinoa Rhodes