Internationally acclaimed as a virtuosic violinist and composer, Romanian-born Alexander Balanescu made his debut at the tender age of nine, showcasing his extraordinary talent to the world. Following his studies at the prestigious Julliard School in New York, Balanescu honed his skills under the guidance of renowned teachers Dolly Korizer and Dorothy Delay.
As a member of the esteemed Arditti Quartett from 1983 to 1987, Balanescu was instrumental in performing the avant-garde classical repertoire, solidifying his reputation as a master of contemporary music. In 1987, he co-founded the Balanescu Quartet, with the ambitious goal of creating a more accessible and communicative new music that would resonate with a broader audience.
Throughout his illustrious career, Balanescu has established himself as a truly interdisciplinary artist, effortlessly traversing the boundaries between composition, improvisation, and performance. His collaborations with an eclectic array of musicians, including John Lurie, Gavin Bryars, Michael Nyman, Jack DeJohnette, John Surman, Andy Sheppard, and Carla Bley, have not only expanded his artistic scope but also cemented his reputation as a visionary musician.
Balanescu's work has also taken him to the realm of popular music, where he has supported the Pet Shop Boys and recorded the music of David Byrne, Kraftwerk, the Yellow Magic Orchestra, and collaborated with the German band "To Rococo rot" on their latest album. In a quest to reconnect with his Eastern European roots, Balanescu has recently collaborated with the Hungarian group "Musikas" and singer Marta Sebestyen, incorporating folk material as a source of inspiration.
The result of this creative journey is the album "Luminitza," which showcases Balanescu's unique ability to blend traditional folk elements with modern sensibilities. He has also drawn inspiration from the great Romanian singer Maria Tanase, reinterpreting her folk songs in his own inimitable style.
In recent years, Balanescu has undertaken a tour of England with the esteemed Philip Glass and Foday Musa Suso, developing a special rapport with Suso that has led to the creation of innovative, improvisational performances that blur the lines between music, song, and dance.
