Meridian Music: Composers in Performance presents a performance by the Emergency String (X)tet, featuring cellists Bob Marsh and Doug Carroll, and violinists Angela Hsu and Adria Otte. The ESX combines free improvisation and the use of graphic scores in their performance.

The Emergency String (X)tet grew out of the ashes of Fred Longberg-Holms Phenomenal String Quartet in Chicago some fifteen years ago. After the dissolution of the Phenomenal Strings, ESX founder Bob Marsh was disconsolate, greatly missing the aural wonders provided by that group. He created the ESX when he believed the lack of improvised string music had reached emergency proportions. The ESX has had many incarnations both in Chicago and in the Bay Area. The ensemble is called an (X)tet for two reasons: First, due to the fluctuating number of players at a given performance. Second, because it emphasizes the unknown factor inherent in improvisation. For this concert the ESX will perform both free improvisations and interpret the graphic score Michelins X by Bob Marsh.

The ESX's first CD, Meridians, recorded live at their benefit concert in honor of Meridian Gallery's 20th Anniversary, just came out on the Italian label Setola di Maiale and will be available at the concert.

See photos from the concert.