Described as “not anything but everything: classical, folk, bluegrass, Americana, and a sound yet to be termed seamlessly merged into a perfect one” by SiriusXM Classical Producer David Srebnik, Invoke strives to successfully dodge even the most valiant attempts at genre classification. The multi-instrumental quartet encompasses traditions from across America, including bluegrass, Appalachian fiddle tunes, jazz, and minimalism. Fueled by its passion for storytelling, Invoke weaves all of these styles together to form a unique contemporary repertoire, that features original works composed by and for the group.
Invoke was the Young Professional String Quartet in Residence at the University of Texas at Austin from 2016–2018. In 2018, it was named a winner of the Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition. It received first prize at the M-Prize International Chamber Arts Competition and in the Austin Chamber Music Center’s Coltman Competition.
Invoke has shared the stage with some of the most acclaimed chamber groups in the country, including The Westerlies, Miró and Ensō quartets, and United States Army Field Band. It has performed at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Lincoln Center, The Phillips Collection, and Green Music Center. Invoke has also appeared with musicians from various genres, including composer-performer Clarice Assad, chamber rock group San Fermin, indie group Never Shout Never, and beatboxer, rapper, and spoons virtuoso Christylez Bacon.
Invoke’s discography includes its debut album, Souls in the Mud (2015); Furious Creek (2018); Fantastic Planet (2021); and Evolve & Travel (2023). It has appeared on Ethan Foote’s Fields Burning, Marian McLaughlin’s Spirit House, Rochelle Rice’s Wonder, and many more. It has worked extensively with composer Graham Reynolds and his nonprofit organization, Golden Hornet, recording volumes IV–VI of String Quartet Smackdown, Marfa: A Country & Western Big Band Suite, the 2019 film soundtrack Where’d You Go, Bernadette, and the 2023 film soundtrack Hit Man.
Invoke is strongly committed to championing diverse American voices through highlighting new music. Invoke’s ongoing commission project, American Postcards, asks composers to pick a time and place in American history and tell its story through the group’s unique artistry.
