Nonclassical Battle of the Bands

The debut performance of the AJAR Ensemble, a collective of open-minded and curious musicians, dedicated to exploring the intersections between composition and improvisation, concert music and folk music, “high” art and “low” art. Founded by composer and clarinetist Jonathan Russell, its members are highly accomplished classical performers who are also deeply engaged with various folk and popular styles of music, and are adept improvisers, composers, and arrangers. Open to powerful musical impulses from any origin, they infuse contemporary classical music with the visceral directness of folk and popular styles, creating a music that is fierce, vital, contemplative, and joyous.