fivebyfive
Biography fivebyfive
fivebyfive
Described as “classical turned loose in the toy store,” “top-flight,” and “imaginative,” fivebyfive is an award-winning, artist-led ensemble known for its impeccable musicianship and adventurous spirit that permeates innovative, cross-genre programming and community engagement.The group consists of Laura Lentz, flute and artistic director; Marcy Bacon, clarinet; Ken Luk, electric guitar; Eric J. Polenik, bass; Haeyeun Jeun, piano; and Marc Webster, Executive Director and audio/video artist. fivebyfive’s mission is to engage and inspire audiences in the collaborative spirit and creativity of today’s chamber music. To realize its mission, fivebyfive performs music by the most exciting living composers with unforgettable musical experiences, advocating for creators who are underrepresented in the field and collaborating with partners across a wide array of disciplines.
fivebyfive kicks off its 9th season (2024-2025) with the theme “Our Stories,” presenting "Fantastical Stories/Historias fantásticas" in October 2024 which is a tapestry of music and story from the Americas with a world premiere of Roberto Sierra’s Sonidos del Tlön.
Then, in March 2025, their “Enduring Stories" concert features a journey through the Hudson Valley Catskills to the Appalachian Mountains, with a world premiere of Ephemera Ballads by Emily Pinkerton. Both world premieres are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. In 2021 and 2024 the group was recognized by New Music USA for its Organizational Fund, recognizing outstanding organizations that work regularly with and support the development of music creators and artists, offering crucial resources to the community.
