Erik Carlson has performed as a soloist and with many chamber and orchestral ensembles throughout Europe and the Americas. He is a highly active performer of contemporary music and has had works written for him by numerous composers, including Karlheinz Stockhausen, Charles Wuorinen, Tom Johnson, and Georges Aperghis.  Mr. Carlson is an enthusiastic proponent of interdisciplinary collaboration, and performs frequently with poets, dancers, actors, and film.  He is the founder of the New York Miniaturist Ensemble and a member of the International Contemporary Ensemble, Talea Ensemble, The Trinity Bach Players, and the New Chamber Ballet.  He has recorded for the Tzadik, Mode, Albany, Bridge, and Matador labels.  Also a composer and writer, he has had his musical compositions and short plays performed in a wide variety of halls and theaters.  He studied violin with Jorja Fleezanis, Ronald Copes, and Robert Mann, and holds a Master’s degree from The Juilliard School.