The String Orchestra of Brooklyn returns to Roulette for String Theories 2026, an annual performance of 20th and 21st-century music for strings.

Audiences will be surrounded by the orchestra in an immersive and spatialized performance of Penderecki’s blisteringly intense Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima, alongside three recent works for large string ensemble that inhabit similar sound worlds—from Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood’s directly Penderecki-inspired Popcorn Superhet Receiver, to Sarah Hennies’s poignant Falling Together, to Aveilut, music of mourning from the avant-metal band Scarcity’s bandleader and composer Brendon Randall-Myers.

“When it comes to uncompromising programming, this feisty ensemble regularly punches above its weight. “ — Steve Smith, The New Yorker

Krzysztof Penderecki Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima
Jonny Greenwood Popcorn Superhet Receiver 
Sarah Hennies Falling Together
Brendon Randall-Myers Aveilut

Presented by The String Orchestra of Brooklyn in partnership with Roulette

A livestream will be available free of charge at 8pm on the day of the performance and archived for future viewing.

Founded in 2007 by Artistic Director Eli Spindel, The String Orchestra of Brooklyn (the SOB) is a unique community of musicians who come together in a supportive environment to enrich the life of our communities through music. Now in its 19th season, The SOB has commissioned over 40 works for strings, including works by Chris Cerrone, Scott Wollschleger, Dev Hynes, Greg Spears, Catherine Lamb, Nyokabi Kariũki, Darian Thomas, and many others. The SOB has commercially released two albums on the Furious Artisans label; the debut album afterimage, and most recently, enfolding, featuring the seminal recording of Leilehua Lanzilotti’s with eyes the color of time, a 2022 finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Recently, the SOB has performed at MoMA with artist Stephen Prina as part of his long-form exhibit, and with pianist Adam Tendler and Devonte Hynes (Blood Orange) at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, at the Little Island Festival, and at New York City fashion week for the brand Marni. Other notable performances include a six-hour installation of Andy Warhol’s Empire at the launch of the new Whitney Museum with Tony Conrad and John Cale. “Incredible displays of artistry, superb programming, and a commitment to commissioning new works make the String Orchestra of Brooklyn a force to be reckoned with.” — I CARE IF YOU LISTEN