“one of Brooklyn’s sterling cultural products… known far beyond the borough for their relaxed virtuosity and expansive repertory.” (The New Yorker)

The GRAMMY-nominated ensemble The Knights are dedicated to transforming the orchestral experience and eliminating barriers between audiences and music. Committed to creating unusual and adventurous partnerships across disciplines, they perform in traditional concert halls as well as parks, plazas, and bars, all in an effort to reach listeners of all backgrounds and invite them into their music-making. The Knights evolved from late-night chamber music reading parties with friends at the home of violinist Colin Jacobsen and cellist Eric Jacobsen. The Jacobsen brothers, who are also founding members of the string quartet Brooklyn Rider, serve as artistic directors of The Knights, with Eric Jacobsen as conductor.
 
Driven by an open-minded spirit of camaraderie and exploration, The Knights inspire listeners with vibrant programs that encompass their roots in the classical tradition and passion for artistic discovery. The orchestra has toured and recorded with renowned soloists including Yo-Yo Ma, Dawn Upshaw, Béla Fleck, and Gil Shaham, with performances in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Tanglewood, Vienna’s Musikverein, and the newly opened Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg. 
 
The Knights’ roster boasts remarkably diverse talents, including composers, arrangers, singer-songwriters, and improvisers, who bring a range of cultural influences to the group, from jazz and klezmer to pop and indie rock music. The unique camaraderie within the group retains the intimacy and spontaneity of chamber music which has led to critical acclaim and the reputation as “one of Brooklyn’s sterling cultural products.” known far beyond the borough for their relaxed virtuosity and expansive repertory” (The New Yorker). Through the palpable joy and friendship in their music-making, each musician strives to include new and familiar audiences to experience this important art form.

The Knights' residency is made possible by generous support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Additional funding is provided by public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.