Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Avalon String Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over two decades. The quartet was founded in 1995 by four talented musicians who shared a passion for chamber music and a desire to create a unique sound that would set them apart from other ensembles. The founding members of the Avalon String Quartet were Blaise Magniere (violin), Marie Wang (violin), Anthony Devroye (viola), and Cheng-Hou Lee (cello). All four musicians had impressive credentials and had studied at some of the most prestigious music schools in the world, including the Juilliard School, the Eastman School of Music, and the Paris Conservatory. From the beginning, the Avalon String Quartet was committed to exploring the full range of the chamber music repertoire, from the classics of Mozart and Beethoven to the contemporary works of living composers. They quickly gained a reputation for their innovative programming and their ability to bring fresh insights to even the most familiar pieces. One of the highlights of the Avalon String Quartet's early career was their residency at the Juilliard School, where they served as the school's graduate resident string quartet from 2000 to 2002. During this time, they had the opportunity to work closely with some of the world's most renowned chamber musicians, including the Juilliard String Quartet and the Tokyo String Quartet. The Avalon String Quartet's reputation continued to grow, and they soon became a sought-after ensemble for concerts and festivals around the world. They have performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the United States, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center, as well as at major festivals such as the Ravinia Festival, the Caramoor Festival, and the Aspen Music Festival. One of the Avalon String Quartet's most notable achievements was their performance of the complete Beethoven string quartet cycle, which they presented over the course of six concerts at the Art Institute of Chicago in 2011. This ambitious project was a testament to the quartet's dedication to exploring the full range of the chamber music repertoire and their ability to bring fresh insights to even the most familiar pieces. In addition to their performances, the Avalon String Quartet has also been recognized for their recordings. They have released several critically acclaimed albums, including a recording of the complete string quartets of Benjamin Britten, which was praised by The New York Times for its "impressive clarity and precision." Over the years, the members of the Avalon String Quartet have changed, but the ensemble's commitment to excellence and innovation has remained constant. Today, the quartet is comprised of Blaise Magniere (violin), Marie Wang (violin), Anthony Devroye (viola), and Felix Umansky (cello). The Avalon String Quartet has received numerous awards and honors throughout their career. In 2000, they were the first prize winners of the Concert Artists Guild International Competition, which helped to launch their career and bring them to the attention of audiences around the world. They have also been awarded the prestigious Cleveland Quartet Award, which recognizes outstanding young string quartets. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Avalon String Quartet is also committed to education and outreach.

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