Violinist Theo Espy is passionate about creating moments of sublime convergence. His early exposure to Byrd, Babbitt, Piazzolla, and Jefferson Airplane set him on course for a lifetime of sonic omnivorousness, which he channels into his work as a chamber musician, concert curator, and proponent of the music of our time.
Theo spent six years as violinist of Spektral Quartet, in which time he helped forge collaborations with renowned composers and instrumentalists, was involved in the commissioning of numerous works for string quartet, and earned multiple GRAMMY nominations. With the ensemble, he co-programmed and co-produced more than fifty original performances—from pre-Baroque works to world premieres— in venues ranging from nature preserves to planetariums. During his tenure with the quartet he performed at The Kennedy Center, the Library of Congress, NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, Miller Theatre, and National Sawdust, and appeared at the American Academy in Rome, Reykjavík Arts Festival, and Big Ears Festival.
Theo studied at the Universität Mozarteum and the New England Conservatory and is himself a dedicated educator. He taught at the University of Chicago as part of the school’s ensemble-in-residence and was a member of the inaugural Contemporary Performance Institute at the Composer’s Conference, later returning as both ensemble musician and chamber music faculty.
Off the classical stage, Theo is one half of a NYC-based electronica duo. He is a fierce advocate for the transgender community, serving as board president of Identity Affirmation Workshop, currently the only nonprofit organization in the U.S. solely dedicated to providing pro bono legal services for name and gender marker changes.
Contributions to Humans & Nature Press:
- Invitation to Listen: The Poetry of Plain, Air (Book coming soon at Human & Nature Shop)
