Live at Studio5! RYAN COHAN - TWO QUARTETS WORLD PREMIERE!

WORLD PREMIERE OF RYAN COHAN'S PRISM

RYAN COHAN - TWO QUARTETS
Ryan Cohan - piano, composer
John Wojciechowski - woodwinds
Lorin Cohen - bass
George Fludas - drums
- KAIA String Quartet -
Victoria Moreira - violin
Naomi Culp - violin
James Kang - viola
Hope Decelle - cello

Here’s an example of someone I didn’t know, but once I heard about him he kept popping up everywhere … and for all the right reasons. Wow. Pianist/composer Ryan Cohan is the real deal. A serious, beautiful writer and a masterful player, Ryan brings so much of himself to his music. A Chicago native, Ryan has performed across five continents, has worked with countless jazz luminaries and has received numerous awards and fellowships. I encourage you to check out his website HERE to learn more about this fascinating artist. For this inaugural performance at Studio5, Ryan will be delivering a WORLD PREMIERE of his new work, Prism, with a group he calls Two Quartets, because, well, that’s what it is: a combination of a jazz quartet and a string quartet. This is going to be gorgeous. We are thrilled and honored that Ryan chose Studio5 to premiere this work. Below is a description Ryan sent me about Prism. I am so eager to experience this. – SR

Prism is born from the understanding that we are not defined by a single identity or influence, but by a complex, often contradictory spectrum of experiences, beliefs, and cultures. We carry within us ideas and emotions that don’t always align—sometimes they clash—and yet it’s precisely this tension that shapes who we are. In a time when division and difference often feel like barriers, Prism invites us to embrace complexity and live alongside contrast with openness and curiosity. 

At its heart, the work reveals the extraordinary beauty hidden within the everyday, encouraging listeners to see beyond the surface and appreciate the subtle interplay of light and shadow in our lives.

Drawing on a rich palette of inspirations—from world music traditions and classical and impressionistic forms to the improvisational freedom of modern jazz—Prism weaves these elements into a cohesive, vibrant whole. Another dimension of the work lies in how the composer’s own musical influences—sometimes seemingly disparate—are refracted through his artistic lens and interwoven into a singular sound.

The instrumentation—a jazz chamber ensemble blending piano, woodwinds, acoustic bass, drums, and strings—mirrors this philosophy of coexistence and contrast. Each voice brings its own character and color, interacting in ways that highlight both individuality and unity, crafting a sonic prism through which the full spectrum of influence and expression shines.

Rather than smoothing over differences, Prism celebrates them, creating a musical landscape where contrasting colors shine brighter together, offering a powerful statement about harmony, coexistence, and the transformative power of diversity.

Our ticket prices include all fees and taxes, so the price you see is the price you pay. Nothing extra on checkout. We have a cash bar, light snacks, and free parking right outside! Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime. [NOTE: Ticket sales on this website end one hour before showtime. Any remaining tickets are available for purchase at the door.]

LIVESTREAM: For those unable to attend this event in person, we now offer online streaming. Online viewers can watch live or up to seven days following the event, broadcast in high resolution audio and video, using multiple cameras. Tickets to watch this event online are available HERE.

Live taping for CHICAGO JAZZ LIVE on WDCB!
Our syndicated radio program, CHICAGO JAZZ LIVE, is now in its tenth season! Be part of the studio audience and behind the scenes for an exciting live recording of this performance. CJL airs locally on WDCB (90.9FM or WDCB.org), Tuesdays 7-8PM. Come to the taping ... and then tune in!

Many thanks to our media sponsor, WDCB!