The String Orchestra of Brooklyn Embraces Nontraditional Performance

A small, rotating cast of volunteer musicians come together as The String Orchestra of Brooklyn (SOB) to produce site-specific musical experiments and collaborations with other New York area musicians.

According to executive director and founder Eli Spindel, the strength of SOB lies in the orchestra's versatility. "We have the flexibility to take risks and follow our musical curiosity wherever it might lead," he said.

Recently, SOB's "musical curiosity" led to a collaboration with ISSUE Project Room on the March 17 production of String Theories 2012. Held in St. Ann's Church in Brooklyn, String Theories featured the works of four commissioned composers: Anthony Coleman, Eric Wubbels, Spencer Yeh, and MV Carbon. The goal of the project was to create performances on a larger-than-realistic scale, playing on the physicality of the orchestra members and adopting new musical techniques. "It will definitely get a bit rowdy," Spindel said pre-performance.

Upcoming events include the 2012 Parks Concert Series, where SOB, in collaboration with The Fort Greene Park Conservatory, has joined the outdoor concert lineup.