BIOgraphy

Caleb Burhans (b. 1980) is a multifaceted presence in the New York music scene who is active as violinist, violist and composer. Hailed by the New York Times as, “animated and versatile,” and, “New York’s mohawked Mozart” by Time Out New York, Caleb has been commissioned by Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Library of Congress and the Kronos Quartet, to name a few. 

Caleb’s debut album, Evensong was named one of NPR’s top 50 albums of 2013 and A Moment for Jason Molina from his sophomore album, Past Lives was included as one of NPR’s top 25 songs of 2019.

Caleb’s works have been performed by ensembles such as the JACK Quartet, Roomful of Teeth, eighth blackbird, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, and the Choir of Trinity Wall Street. Along with long time collaborator, Grey Mcmurray, their duo, itsnotyouitsme has also scored the documentary films A Woman Like That and The Pearl as well as releasing four studio albums.

In addition to his work on television (SNL, Colbert, Letterman) and Broadway (Hamilton, Spring Awakening), Caleb was a founding member of the contemporary classical chamber ensembles Alarm Will Sound, Ensemble Signal and the Wordless Music Orchestra. From 2018 to 2020 he was concertmaster for Mean Girls the Musical on Broadway.  

Caleb has worked with artists ranging from Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, The National, Arcade Fire, and Blonde Redhead to Max Richter, Jóhann Jóhannsson, La Monte Young, Meredith Monk, Nico Muhly, John Zorn, George Crumb and Caroline Shaw.

As a conductor, Caleb has worked with the London Sinfonietta, the Wordless Music Orchestra and the American Contemporary Music Ensemble.

He is a member of the American Contemporary Music Ensemble, itsnotyouitsme and plays fiddle for New York City’s Central Synagogue.

Caleb attended the Eastman School of Music where he holds degrees in composition and viola performance.  He resides in Brooklyn, NY with his wife, Martha Cluver, and their daughter.