Balanescu Quartet

Balanescu Quartet is an avant-garde string ensemble formed in 1987.

Current members are Alexander Bălănescu (violin), Yuri Kalnits (violin), Úna Palliser (viola) and Nick Holland (cello).

[1] [2] The quartet has roots in collaborations with composers such as Michael Nyman and Gavin Bryars, through projects with Lounge Lizard John Lurie, Jack de Johnette, Ornette Coleman, David Byrne, the Pet Shop Boys, Spiritualized, Kate Bush and Kraftwerk.

They have played in locations such as London's South Bank Centre and New York's Knitting Factory, and opened to 10000 Pet Shop Boys fans at Wembley Arena.

Their recording of University Challenge's title music on BBC2 in the UK has been in use since 2000.