The X Ensemble is a contemporary ensemble led by composer, pianist and synthesist Neil Alexander. The group’s moniker “X” refers to both variable size and instrumentation. The ensemble features Alexander’s compositions and arrangements along with works by other members of the ensemble. They also perform works of living composers as well as arrangements of classic orchestral and chamber works. Their unique approach combines a strong foundation in traditional styles with contemporary approaches, allowing them to explore new and diverse musical landscapes, and includes baroque, romantic, minimalist, jazz, and electronic styles. Performances typically consist of three-eight pieces of varying instrumentation and can be as large as 10-15 pieces depending on the programmed material. 

The X Ensemble debuted on October 15, 2016, at The Ritz Theater in Newburgh, NY to a sold-out crowd. The program for the performance included several of Alexander’s original compositions: Gravity Well (Alexander) for piano and violin; Cumberland Spring for piano, flute, and string quintet; The Inner Journey for piano, synthesizer, marimba, percussion, and string quartet; and the four-movement suite Newburgh: An Urban Romance for extended jazz quintet. Additional pieces included a jazz arrangement of Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto (2nd Movement) and George Gershwin’s Lullaby for Strings for piano and string quartet.

In 2018 Alexander created a site-specific work entitled Sunset Variations for the Dusklit Art Festival, held on the grounds of the Seligmann Center in Sugarloaf, NY. Scored for flute, clarinet, french horn, violin, cello, keyboard, and percussion, the untethered instruments (flute, clarinet, violin, and french horn) were fitted with wireless microphones, and each began their individual parts some 20 yards from the stage. On signal the musicians made their way to the stage over the course of seven minutes for the climax of the piece, which was timed to occur exactly at sunset, continuing into early dusk.

In Summer 2021 they Premiered Convergence: Series A, a work in five movements funded by a grant from NYSCA in a free outdoor concert in Newburgh NY.

In September of 2023 the group performed in traditional Piano Trio format (violin/cello/piano) for the Wallkill River Center for the Arts summer concert series in Blooming Grove NY. The concert included an arrangement of Cumberland Spring and the world premier of Duet Series Vol.1.

This performance will feature two premieres: a new original work by Neil Alexander, and a set of variations on a well-known traditional theme. The performance will once again be in trio format, with Alexander being joined by violinist Fung Chern Hwei (Sirius Quartet) and woodwind and reed player Brad Hubbard (World Saxophone Quartet). The program will also feature some of Alexander’s original compositions and a traditional work.

Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. For information on events, go to MiddlesexCountyCulture.com