Neo Camerata

Combining the emotion and beauty of classical, the excitement and energy of pop, the awe-inspiring technique of virtuoso musicians, and the riveting original music of one of its members, Neo Camerata has created what critics have called a "genre-busting," "technically impressive," "emotionally stirring" and "totally cool and amazing" experience. With a unique multi-cultural mix, Neo Camerata’s "new classical" sound has people buzzing on both the classical and pop sides of the music business. Tim Smith, classical critic from The Baltimore Sun echoed Sarah Hepola, rock critic from the Dallas Observer by simply stating, "Whatever you call it, it’s good."

The core of the group’s sound is the original music of infectious melodies, driving rhythms, and pop-styled harmonies written by Neo Camerata's violist, Mark Landson. The creative catalyst behind the band, Landson followed parallel paths of classical training and rock band experimentation, at one point leaving the Eastman School of Music to form a rock band with his brother John Landefeld, Neo Camerata's cellist. The brothers did return to the classical fold, and Landson moved to Spain to join a touring string quartet and chamber orchestra. While there, he began combining the varied elements of his background into a brand of classical music with a distinctive pop edge.

Soon after, the brothers reunited in Dallas where they met Bulgarian violin virtuoso Vesselin Demirev, who had also played guitar in a professional rock band in Europe. The three friends resolved to create a new kind of band that would break all the rules. They ultimately added British violinist Jane Hunt and the highly accredited American pianist Jeanne Schumann.

Neo Camerata has shared the bill with pop artists, rock bands, opera singers, symphony orchestras and a ballet company. They've played in places such as the Kennedy Center, New York’s Cutting Room, and the Cannes Film Festival.

Information from the band's site

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  Mark Landson: viola
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  John Landefeld: cello
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  Vesselin Demirev: violin
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  Jane Hunt: violin
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  Jeanne Schumann: piano

Bach, Bartok, Beethoven (Ludwig and Camper Van), Berg, Brahms, Britten, Depeche Mode, Hindemith, The Killers, Mozart, New Order, Reich, Respighi, Schumann, Talking Heads, Violent Femmes, U2

If Beethoven had listened to a lot of Depeche Mode when he was growing up, that's kinda the idea.