Information:

String Quartet (2023) was originally composed as a string quintet intended for Athens-based ensemble SIBiLIMA.  After learning the fifth instrument of SIBiLIMA was a cretan lyra, the piece became String Quartet + Cretan Lyra (2023) composed for 2 violins, viola, Cretan lyra, and cello.  The string quartet version was produced to make the music more accessible to other performers, since string quartet ensembles are more common.  For both versions, pocket scores were produced featuring full scores along with insights into the compositions.  The pocket scores also include QR codes which direct readers to the recordings on this page.

Since String Quartet + Cretan Lyra (2023) was originally composed without being aware of the ensemble’s fifth instrument, 3 Pieces for Cretan Lyra was composed afterward to explore and showcase the Cretan lyra more prominently.  The score to 3 Pieces for Cretan Lyra is included in the pocket score for String Quartet + Cretan Lyra (2023).

Recordings:

String Quartet (2023) was premiered in the U.S. on February 14th, 2024 by the S.E.M. Ensemble in Brooklyn, New York.  The recording of this performance is available here.

String Quartet + Cretan Lyra (2023) was premiered in Greece on October 14th, 2024 by SIBiLIMA at KET in Kipseli, Athens.  A full length film of this performance is available here.

3 Pieces for Cretan Lyra was premiered on the same concert as String Quartet + Cretan Lyra (2023) by Lefteris Andriotis of SIBiLIMA.  A video of this performance is available here.

The pocket scores for these pieces produced by Desert Island Music Editions are available here.