Attacca Quartet and Theo Bleckmann, David Lang’s 'note to a friend' at The Nimoy

In this 60-minute chamber opera, commissioned by the Japan Society, Pulitzer Prize-winning composer David Lang reimagines three texts by iconic Japanese writer Ryunosuke Akutagawa. The result is a stunning and haunting monodrama, note to a friend, addressing our eternal human fascinations with death, love, family and suicide. The work was premiered at the PROTOTYPE Festival 2023, directed by theater luminary Yoshi Oida.

Theo Bleckmann is a multi-Grammy Award-nominated vocalist, composer, and ECM artist with over 17 albums. Collaborations include those with Ambrose Akinmusire, Sheila Jordan, Kneebody, Ben Monder, John Hollenbeck, Phil Kline, Ulysses Owens, Bang on a Can All-Stars, and Meredith Monk. A recipient of Germany’s JAZZ ECHO award, Bleckmann has been featured on NPR’s Fresh Air and The David Letterman Show.

The two-time Grammy Award-winning Attacca Quartet is recognized and acclaimed as one of the most versatile and outstanding ensembles of the moment — a true quartet for modern times. Gliding through traditional classical repertoire to electronic, video game music and contemporary collaborations, they are one of the world's most innovative and respected ensembles.