Press

“This music is perfectly tailored to the taste of this unconventional chamber orchestra, which achieves global success with programming outside the usual mainstream….Right from this first work of the evening, it becomes clear why the ensemble calls itself "The Knights.” The name is meant to reflect their philosophy of chivalry, community, and fearless music-making. And that is exactly how they perform—at a remarkably high level, guided by the inspiring conducting of their founder, Eric Jacobsen.”

— Hannoversche Allgemeine (April 13, 2026)

“The concert by The Knights and Martynas Levickis on April 14 at the Konzerthaus in Berlin is among the most exceptional musical experiences I have ever had: an evening that was completely “perfect” from beginning to end – coherent, breathing, and self-evident in its grandeur.

From the very first bars, the exceptional cohesion of the ensemble stood out, as well as the naturalness with which it moved through diverse musical worlds. The joy of playing was a constant undercurrent that gave the evening its energy.”

— Klassiek Centraal (April 17, 2026)

“Carnegie Hall today announced the spring and summer schedule for Carnegie Hall Citywide, the Hall’s free concert series that brings a vibrant mix of live performances to venues throughout New York City. Presented in collaboration with esteemed local organizations, the celebrated series features renowned artists of all genres including classical, Broadway, jazz, Latin music, and beyond.”

— Carnegie Hall (April 16, 2026)

On Friday, July 3 Curtis Stewart joins The Knights at Bryant Park for the final show of their new festival, This Music is Your Music: America at 250 as soloist for his arrangement of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s 24 Negro Melodies for Violin and Orchestra, while Jeremy Kittel brings his Stones River to life. Drawing on the multicultural currents of Revolutionary and Civil War–era music, these works connect past to present and illuminate the deep roots of American sound. Songs woven throughout the program remind us that American music lives not only in concert halls, but in the voices and communities that continue to shape it.

“Led by Artistic Directors Eric and Colin Jacobson, the program anchors the spirit of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, featuring Conrad Tao’s acclaimed, explosive interpretation within a broader narrative of musical innovation. From the pastoral beauty of Copland’s Appalachian Spring Suite and Margaret Bonds’ soulful Troubled Water to contemporary rhapsodies by Jessie Montgomery and the ensemble's own Christina Courtin, this performance bridges the gap between classical tradition and modern energy.”

— Caramoor (March 2026)

“Three boundary-pushing concerts by The Knights—led by artistic directors Eric and Colin Jacobsen—range from a creative program centered on Mozart and his contemporary, Saint-Georges, to the New York premiere of a new work by Nico Muhly, performed in collaboration with Brooklyn Rider.”

— Carnegie Hall (February 2025)

“Cloud Variations feels emblematic of a broader shift in contemporary performance—one in which language, sound, and technology are increasingly intertwined. Though staged only once, its debut offers a glimpse into where hybrid classical work is headed.”

— Public Seminar (December 2025)

J. Mae Barizo, Poet & Performer
Sayuri Ishida, Actor
George R. Miller, Stage Director
Yuchang Xiao, Wearable Art/Costume Design
Jessie Char & Maxwell Neely-Cohen, Sound Design