Pianist Tao joins Jack Quartet on old, new music

If there’s a musical prospect more exciting than a recital by the Jack Quartet, it’s hearing that adventurous ensemble in partnership with pianist and composer Conrad Tao. These five musicians spent 2020 in residency at the Library of Congress, and now a joint recital, recorded in December, will be available as a free stream from San Francisco Performances.

The headline offering is “For Conrad Tao,” one of a series of inventive works created by composer and percussionist Tyshawn Sorey.

But there are other delights in store, ranging from Ruth Crawford’s landmark String Quartet of 1931 to two pieces by Elliott Carter. From the medieval period comes “Angelorum psalat,” attributed to the mysterious 14th century composer Rodericus, in an arrangement by Jack Quartet violinist Christopher Otto.

Jack Quartet and Conrad Tao: Available to stream starting Thursday, April 29. Free. www.sfperformances.org

David Bird