SURFACING | I CARE IF YOU LISTEN - REVIEW

Review: Poiesis Quartet “Surfacing”

On their new Bright Shiny Things album, the award-winning string quartet magnifies their commitment to new music

by: Katie Brown | October 2026

“Lauded for the richness of their sound and tangible chemistry, Poiesis are the perfect conduit for this ambition. Their forthcoming album Surfacing (Oct. 16, Bright Shiny Things) serves as a musical autobiography, presenting repertoire that encapsulates their emotional growth as an ensemble while simultaneously speaking to the complexity of the human experience.”

“Surfacing is gripping from beginning to end due to the palpable energy and commitment from Poiesis. To understand the quartet’s story is to understand the timeliness of this work. As winners of the Cleveland Quartet Award, Banff Competition, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, and the Saint Paul String Quartet Competition, they certainly display the earnestness of a group who is surfacing. Their dedication to platforming frequently overlooked composers combined with their artistry and willingness to tackle difficult subject matter places them as arbiters for our profession and the arts.”