“Life” is in part defined by a capacity for growth and change. It’s so important to treasure the centuries of tradition that classical music rests on, and I hope we never stop doing that. However, at the same time, we also need to allow the tradition to grow and change. Otherwise, by definition, it’s dead.

One of the most exciting ways the classical tradition has been growing and morphing over the past couple of decades is through a movement of egalitarian synthesis with other musical genres and communities. Of course, cross-genre collaboration in the classical world is far from new.

However, this current wave of “post-genre” musicians understand more than ever that collaboration is most fruitful for all involved when consciously entered into with a desire for mutual growth, and without notions of artistic superiority.

Enter Pekka Kuusisto and Gabriel Kahane.

Gabriel Kahane (left) and Pekka Kuusisto. Photo supplied

Though conservatory trained, Kahane is perhaps better described as a singer-songwriter, at times echoing Sufjan Stevens or Rufus Wrainwright. A prolific composer and collaborator, he’s also worked with just about every hip name in American classical world.

Kuusisto is a renowned violin soloist, commencing conservatoire...