Full Bio

Founded by Billy Popfinger, and Jessica Ringston, during their studies at the Mannes School of Music in 2025, Astra Collective is quickly establishing themselves as an innovative emerging chamber ensemble alongside Sofia Nangle and Devin Oswald. The ensemble’s first ever commission Re: Visit , written for alto flute, viola, and double bass by composer Yifeng Xie, was premiered by Astra in December of 2025 at the Mannes School of Music. Since then, Astra has commissioned numerous composers of all backgrounds, producing concerts dedicated to these artists at venues such as The Stone, Mercury Lounge, Church of the Holy Apostles and Threes Brewing. Astra is dedicated to commissioning and collaborating with living artists, forging a larger community of performers and composers who share a love for new music.

The ensemble has also given half a dozen performances at The Frick Collection, showcasing a variety of Baroque, classical, and modernist repertoire. The Astra Collective  has also been featured at the Fifth Avenue Blooms, an installation celebrating spring in New York created by jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels.