Emissary Quartet’s debut album [moment]um is inspired by the Japanese concept of jo-ha-kyū, a structure that reflects the natural flow of progression: beginning slowly (jo), accelerating through development (ha), and culminating in a swift and powerful conclusion (kyū). This theme of movement and motion is brought to life through contemporary works by living composers, Jennifer Higdon, Kai-Young Chan, Sung-Hyun Yun, Nicky Sohn, Heike Beckmann, and Herman Beeftink. Each composer uses the unique textures and timbres of the flute and auxiliary flutes to evoke a sense of continuous transformation. Each piece within the album highlights various facets of motion, from the meditative, gradually unfolding soundscapes of the opening movements to the more dynamic, rhythmically intricate passages that create a palpable sense of urgency and energy. The living composers draw upon a wide range of influences, blending minimalist repetition with more expansive, lyrical phrasing to reflect [moment]um, while exploring the capacity of sound to depict both literal and abstract forms of motion.

[moment]um
Frequency by Herman Beeftink
Recurrence by Sung-Hyun Yun
Levada by Heike Beckmann
Newly commissioned work by Nicky Sohn
 Steeley Pause by Jennifer Higdon
Jo-Ha-Kyu by Kai-Young Chan

Emissary Quartet is committed to cultivating connection and opportunity through dynamic performances and residencies that empower musicians and foster community.

Unconstrained by geographical boundaries, the flutists of EQ live across the United States and meet for performance and teaching residencies throughout the year. The quartet has presented at various conventions, including the National Flute Association, and has been the recipient of numerous grants and honors, including from New Music USA. In May 2016, EQ competed at the live quarterfinal round of the Fischoff Competition, one of few flute ensembles to do so in the history of the competition.

EQ continues to curate a catalog of new works that fully exploit the dynamic expressive capabilities of four flutes together. The ensemble held an International Call for Scores throughout the 2016-2017 season and received over 190 submissions from composers across the globe. Three winning works were performed and recorded in New York City. Emissary Quartet continues to develop fruitful collaborative relationships with composers to further the
music of their generation and make flute quartet music a significant part of the sound landscape of today.

Emissary Quartet’s passion for collaboration extends beyond the bounds of music alone. In 2023, EQ presented Emissary Artists, an event of live art and music at Box13 ArtSpace in Houston, TX. In 2024, EQ premiered music by Owen Eddy at The Blue Building in NYC as part of a multi-disciplinary performance entitled UTILITY in collaboration with Synchronous creative. Emissary Quartet will present a lecture at the 2024 National Flute Association Convention.

How These Funds Will Be Used
Composer Commissioning Fees - $10,000
Recording Engineer - $6,500
Studio Rental - $3,250
Alto & Bass Flute Rentals - $2,475
Travel - $2,200
Performance Venue - $1,000
Album Cover Art - $600
Videography/Documentation - $600
Music Licensing Fees - $500

Selected as one of the "Cool 100" by Houston CityBook Magazine, alongside icons like Simone Biles and Megan Thee Stallion, composer Nicky Sohn stands as a versatile and sought-after talent across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Characterized by her jazz-inspired, rhythmically driven themes, Sohn's work has received international praise for being "undoubtedly the crowd pleaser of the evening, deserving a permanent place in the orchestral repertoire" (YourObserver), being “dynamic and full of vitality” (The Korea Defense Daily), having “colorful orchestration” (NewsBrite), and for its “elegant wonder” (Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung), among many others. As a result, Sohn has enjoyed commissions and performances from the world’s preeminent performing arts institutions, including Stuttgart Ballet, New York Choreographic Institute, National Orchestra of Korea, St. Louis Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Annapolis Symphony, Sarasota Orchestra, and Aspen Philharmonic.

A Note From Nicky Sohn
One of the most profound aspects of being a musician lies in music’s inherent ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and locales. Regardless of linguistic barriers, music serves as a universal language, fostering deep connections by transcending cultural differences and evoking shared emotions. Collaborating with fellow musicians, who share similar life journeys in a still male-dominated industry, amplifies this understanding. The members of Emissary Quartet share experiences of working as musicians, while also drawing from their unique backgrounds, personalities, and proficiencies. Today, musicians are increasingly vocal, advocating for the recognition and empowerment of their perspectives, highlighting the significance of representation and inclusivity. I envision crafting a piece that articulates the aspirations I hold for the younger generation of female musicians, whether they're navigating conservatories or the professional world—a vision I wish I had embraced when reflecting on my own journey. The internal struggle of choosing how and when to use your voice as a woman will be reflected in the progression of the piece. The colors available in the instrumentation of the flute quartet - piccolo, flute, alto flute, and bass flute - perfectly portray the dichotomy of individuality versus collaboration, with each voice able to either blend and support or come to the forefront. 

Photo by Nadine Sherman
Left to right: Allison Asthana, Kari Boyer, Sarah Shin, Chelsea Tanner