ETHEL is committed to telling stories, forging connections, developing audiences, building community, and inspiring young musicians. Below are just a few examples of our groundbreaking outreach performances and innovative education programs. If you have an idea for an outreach program, or if you would like to bring ETHEL to your community, college or school, email us. We are happy to discuss ideas and opportunities.
ETHEL returns to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2025-2026 with ETHEL and Friends, a music series programmed expressly for the Met’s Balcony Bar. The quartet chooses music for this series with an eye on tradition and an ear to the future. Expect familiar classical tunes mixed with a fair share of the group’s signature, cutting-edge repertoire. Exciting guest artists and longtime ETHEL collaborators will also make special appearances. Relax over cocktails and appetizers with a view of the Met’s majestic Great Hall as you enjoy surprising, vibrant music.
ETHEL has been ensemble in residence at Denison University for over a decade, the band members having been awarded honorary doctorates for their artistic contributions in 2017. ETHEL mentors and coaches students in the music department, as well as engaging the campus and community in cross-disciplinary projects and performances. ETHEL’s impact at Denison has been felt across majors and disciplines, and has contributed to the University board of directors’ decision to build a new performing arts building.
The Peabody Institute:
Johns Hopkins University
Since 2018, ETHEL have been Artists in Residence to the Music for New Media Program at The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, providing workshops, performances and project recordings.
University of Oklahoma
School of Music
ETHEL and University of Oklahoma School of Music are designing VR- and AI-powered music education tools that expand access, advance equity, and amplify teachers’ impact through immersive, scalable learning experiences.
Brooklyn Public Library:
Creatives-in-Residence
ETHEL first joined forces with Brooklyn Public Library in 2020 as part of its Creatives-in-Residence program. The program included a cohort of artists from different disciplines who developed ideas for new projects through a series of workshops and planning sessions, plus three public programs and an exhibition at the central library. Since then, ETHEL has presented a variety of programming at BPL, including its HomeBaked Series (2021), “Persist” with composer-flutist Allison Loggins-Hull (2023), and “Vigil,” with violinist Layale Chaker (2024).
Macaulay Honors College
ETHEL are Artists in Residence to the Macaulay Leadership Program of the City University of New York. Every year, they visit classes in colleges all over the system, providing live, experiential enrichment with conversations exploring implications in both Arts and Science, to students making broad inquiries into those fields for future study.
Quartet-in-Residence:
Face the Music
In 2018-19, ETHEL was the quartet-in-residence at Face the Music, a music education program at the Kaufman Music Center. This dynamic initiative for young New York City musicians is dedicated to the study and performance of music by living composers.
