our mycelial network

mycelium new music is a small part of a much larger creative network of musicians and institutions in Chicago. Our artists perform with several other ensembles and organizations, which are all part of our mycelial web.

varo string quartet

Varo String Quartet (Carmen Abelson and Hannah Christiansen, violins; Lena Vidulich, viola; and Isidora Nojkovic, cello) is dedicated to the celebration and expansion of the string quartet genre. Through intentional programming, VSQ engages new audiences and collaborators with a spirit of curiosity and innovation. The members of VSQ have backgrounds spanning many genres and have performed with groups including Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Thurman Barker & the Cagy Bird Orchestra, Lyric Opera Orchestra, Japanese Breakfast, Ensemble Dal Niente, Music Theatre International, and Chicago Sinfonietta. Varo String Quartet takes its name from the Surrealist painter Remedios Varo, whose vibrant creativity and lifelong pursuit of discovery inspire the Quartet’s inventive programming and spirited performances.

flannau duo
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The Flannau Duo ( Flens+Hannau ) is a dynamic, new music loving, tour-de-force ensemble combining piano, percussion, electronics, improvisation, and absurdism.

They bring an eclecticism of music ranging from modern contemporary to minimalist, video game music, and beyond. They love collaboration and creating unique listening experiences, working to engage with all kinds of listeners. Flannau Duo is the recipient of a 2023 Chicago DCASE individual artist grant.

https://www.flannauduo.com/​

hot second

Violin and percussion duo Hot Second approaches music-making first through curiosity and joy and then, at some point down the line, rigor. H2 harnesses their irresistible energy to craft genre-bending concert performances and draw audiences into adventurous and playful soundworlds. Dylan Feldpausch (violin) and Rebecca McDaniel (percussion) are bold performers, generous collaborators, and beleaguered (though dedicated!) educators, who, in addition to performing as Hot Second, work with a variety of Chicago-area organizations including Apollo’s Fire, Third Coast Percussion, Beyond This Point, and Merit School of Music.