Cacti: Opus 76 Quartet’s Acclaimed Role in Ekman’s BalleT

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Over the past several seasons, the Opus 76 Quartet has established a remarkable reputation for its work with leading ballet companies across the United States, performing in critically acclaimed productions that bring chamber music to the heart of the dance stage. With their distinctive sound—praised for its clarity, precision, and emotional depth—the quartet has become a sought-after ensemble for live ballet performances, seamlessly integrating their artistry with movement to create unforgettable theatrical experiences.

One of the ensemble’s most celebrated collaborations has been with choreographer Alexander Ekman’s groundbreaking work Cacti. Performed live with the Kansas City Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet, and Cincinnati Ballet, the production places the musicians on stage alongside the dancers, blurring the lines between musician and performer. The result is a rich, multidimensional experience hailed by critics and audiences alike. Bachtrack hailed the Opus 76 Quartet’s performance as: ” complements to the movements, athletic, sinuous, centripetal and centrifugal, both tense and harmonious. It was a powerful, postmodern mix…” Broadway World also praised the quartet as remarkable, stating: “Of note is the accompaniment provided by the Opus 76 Quartet. This was a relentless, memorable performance, and easily this reviewer's favorite piece of the evening.” The Oklahoma City Free Press described their Oklahoma City performance as “a rich, all-encompassing, and simply gorgeous sensory experience,” while Classical KC highlighted the Kansas City Ballet production as “a rare and electric synergy of music and movement.”

Beyond the critical praise lies a deeper connection—the quartet’s passion for live collaboration. Whether in the intimacy of a chamber hall or the grandeur of a ballet stage, the Opus 76 Quartet brings a unique sensitivity to timing, nuance, and theatrical flow that makes them an ideal partner for choreographers and dancers alike. Their traditional sound, shaped by the great string quartet legacy, blends effortlessly with contemporary movement, allowing them to adapt across stylistic boundaries with agility and grace.

Dance companies looking to bring a bold, musically immersive edge to their performances will find in the Opus 76 Quartet a rare and responsive artistic partner. With extensive experience, proven excellence, and a spirit of collaboration at their core, the quartet continues to push the boundaries of what live classical music can bring to the world of dance.