Ensemble group fivebyfive to present free concert

by Nicholas Cristoforo

After a three-day residency sponsored by Ethos New Music Society, the chamber group fivebyfive will present a free concert in Rosch Recital Hall on Friday, Feb. 24, at 8 p.m. The recital, "Of Breath & Fire,” features works inspired by glass by composers Amy Nam, Philip Glass, Missy Mazzoli and others.

An artist-led ensemble, fivebyfive, based in Rochester, N.Y., was formed in 2015 with a mission to engage audiences by performing music by leading and emerging composers. With a flutist, clarinetist, electric guitarist, bassist and audio/video engineer committed to performing new music, the group also advocates for creators who are underrepresented in the field and chooses to collaborate with artists across disciplines.

“Our goal is always to push boundaries while creating community-building experiences. We often use video and animation or poetry – even glass blowing – to convey a message or get a reaction,” exclaimed Laura Lentz, flutist and artistic director.

“Classical turned loose in the toy store” is how WXXI-FM arts & lifestyle editor Jeff Sevak described fivebyfive.

For more information, follow Ethos on Instagram and Facebook (@ethosnewmusic), and check out fivebyfive's website