Alexander Bălănescu, born in Bucharest in 1954, is a prolific composer and one of the most visionary violinists of our time. His passion for music emerged at an early age, but Ceaușescu’s dictatorship led his family to emigrate to Israel in 1969. This marked the beginning of a journey that would take him to new horizons—first to London, and eventually to New York, where he studied at the Juilliard School.
He later returned to Britain and joined the Arditti Quartet, a group dedicated to exploring new music. However, feeling that much of the Arditti’s repertoire was geared toward a specialized audience of “insiders,” he left the ensemble shortly thereafter and, in 1987, founded the Balanescu Quartet. The group reflects Bălănescu’s belief in communication and fluidity between musical genres and continues to push the boundaries of what defines a “string quartet.”
Bălănescu has collaborated with internationally renowned artists such as Carla Bley, Kraftwerk, the Pet Shop Boys, and Grace Jones. He has composed for film (Il partigiano Johnny) and opera (Treibgut/Flotsam). His discography includes albums such as Possessed, Luminitza, Angels and Insects, and Maria T.
