Established in New York City in 1998, ETHEL quickly earned a reputation as one of America’s most adventurous string quartets. Nearly 25 years later, the band continues to innovate, blending uptown, conservatory musicianship with downtown genre-crossing. ETHEL has been described as “indefatigable and eclectic” (The New York Times), “vital and brilliant” (The New Yorker), and “infectiously visceral” (Pitchfork). ETHEL has released nine feature recordings, premiered 225+ compositions, performed as guests on 40+ albums, won a GRAMMY® with jazz legend Kurt Elling, and appeared in 14 countries, 48 states, and 250+ cities. 

At the heart of ETHEL is a collaborative ethos—a quest for a common creative expression that is forged in the celebration of community. The quartet creates and tours rich, often multimedia, productions; conducts innovative community engagement activities; collaborates with a range of exciting creative partners; composes and arranges for themselves and collaborators; programs and produces groundbreaking live and digital events; and commissions new works. 

ETHEL is the Resident Ensemble at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Balcony Bar, and Ensemble-in-Residence at Denison University. ETHEL is Ralph Farris (viola), Kip Jones (violin), Dorothy Lawson (cello), and Corin Lee (violin).  www.ethelcentral.org // @ethelcentral