Stéphane Orlando with Stéphane Mercier, Edinburgh Quartet & Darren Beckett - The String Theory - Alpha Project (2026) [Hi-Res]

The String Theory Alpha Project is a large-scale musical collaboration initiated by composer Stéphane Orlando, which unites the jazz freedom of the Stéphane Mercier Trio with the classical rigor of the Brussels-based Zenne Quartet. Inspired by historic jazz-meets-strings fusions in the vein of Charlie Parker and Roy Hargrove, the project creates an organic septet with cinematic sound-dramaturgy. In addition to creating an original musical language at the intersection of improvisation and academic writing, the members of the Zenne Quartet emphasize the fundamental importance of live audience performances as opposed to total digitalization through their active concert activities.

Stéphane Orlando - Composition & Conducting
Stéphane Mercier - Alto Saxophone
Darren Beckett - Drums
André Klénès - Double-bass
Sadie Fields - Violin
Tom Hankey - Violin
Catherine Marwood - Viola
Mark Bailey - Cello

Tracklist:
1. Stéphane Orlando with Stéphane Mercier, Edinburgh Quartet & Darren Beckett - Alpha Singularity
2. Stéphane Orlando with Stéphane Mercier, Edinburgh Quartet & Darren Beckett - Event Horizon
3. Stéphane Orlando with Stéphane Mercier, Edinburgh Quartet & Darren Beckett - Sliding Layers
4. Stéphane Orlando with Stéphane Mercier, Edinburgh Quartet & Darren Beckett - Temporal Grid
5. Stéphane Orlando with Stéphane Mercier, Edinburgh Quartet & Darren Beckett - Light's Folds
6. Stéphane Orlando with Stéphane Mercier, Edinburgh Quartet & Darren Beckett - Quantum Beat
7. Stéphane Orlando with Stéphane Mercier, Edinburgh Quartet & Darren Beckett - Echoes of the Void
8. Stéphane Orlando with Stéphane Mercier, Edinburgh Quartet & Darren Beckett - Parallel Worlds
9. Stéphane Orlando with Stéphane Mercier, Edinburgh Quartet & Darren Beckett - Secret Intrications