John, Alex and Anthony combine classical training with jazz and hip-hop influences to create a sound unique to Infinitus. | Photo courtesy of Infinitus

Critically acclaimed beatboxing string trio, Infinitus, brings their uniquely eclectic sound, featuring guest artists and new arrangements, to Centre Stage.

Violist Anthony Cheung, cellist Alex Cheung and violinist John “Adidam” Littlejohn are the critically acclaimed beatboxing string trio, Infinitus. Bringing original pieces that include classical standards and original jazz/hip-hop arrangements and compositions, the chamber group is sure to entertain.

With their respective instruments, the Infinitus members bring a bold and powerful sound to the intimate chamber group. For the trio, creating a sound that is relatable and powerful comes down to their classical training, experimentation with various styles and arrangements, and involving the audience in each performance.

Chamber group trio

Born in Montreal, and raised in Ohio, the Cheung twins began their musical journeys with the piano at age five; Michigan native Littlejohn would take on the violin at 10. Friends and classmates at the University of Michigan, the would-be Infinitus members would go in separate directions for graduate school, and it would be Littlejohn’s wedding that brings the group back together in 2005. The group played as a quartet for a couple of years, metamorphosing into the Infinitus trio in 2008. With their classical education, colourful personalities, and passion for music, theirs was a musical match made in heaven.

“We are classically trained, but also trained in other genres,” says John Littlejohn, who grew up with soul, hip-hop, and classical influences.

For infinitus, inspiration comes from a myriad of different influences and styles, especially those with something unique in their approach to arrangements and performances. Their combination of diverse musical perspectives engages listeners by providing an unexpected use of string instruments and classical sounds with modern musical genres and arrangements.

“We are off the beaten path and look to use creativity to solve musical roadblocks,” explains Littlejohn.

Connecting to inspire

Infinitus is looking to change how string instruments and classical music are perceived by the public. A very challenging approach to combining different genres of music, memorizing arrangements and avoiding music stands during performances is used by the band to connect with the audience and revive their timeless instruments and classical genre.

By combining classical chamber sounds with jazz and hip hop, audiences unfamiliar with string instruments can experience them in a familiar way. “The goal is to revive the classical scene and timeless instruments,” explains Littlejohn.

Infinitus is also passionate about inspiring young people to get involved with the arts. Infinitus has performed over 800 outreach performances to date. The trio explains that as students, they were also inspired by musicians who held concerts at their high schools. Today, they see their commitment to outreach performances as a privilege to connect with young people and captivate those who would like to go into music professionally.

“Music for us has to be more than just the concert stage; there has to be a purpose, and for us it is connecting with people, which is bigger than us and our egos,” says Littlejohn.

Upcoming performance

On Dec. 4, audiences at Centre Stage: City Hall in North Surrey can expect to hear the talented trio’s existing arrangements, as well as new material from their upcoming Christmas album and collaborations with guest artists. The audience members will also be invited to submit song requests and see the talented trio take on familiar compositions in their own unique way.

Infinitus takes on the stage to hear what the audience wants to hear. From Beethoven, to the theme song from Frozen or a fiddle peace, the group is ready to take on any request from the audience.

“The audience can feel it [and] really experience an engaging concert, instead of passively watching it,” says Littlejohn.

Infinitus takes Centre Stage in New City Hall Surrey at 8pm on Dec. 4. Tickets are available online, by phone or in person at the Surrey Arts Centre (www.surrey.ca/culture-recreation/1684.aspx).

For more information on Infinitus, visit www.infinitusmusic.com