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The Da Vinci Quartet is a 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 Da Vinci Quartet were violinists Hyeyung Julie Yoon and Rebecca Fischer, violist Jessica Thompson, and cellist Eric Haugen. All four musicians had impressive backgrounds and had studied at some of the most prestigious music schools in the world, including the Juilliard School, the Curtis Institute of Music, and the New England Conservatory. From the very beginning, the Da Vinci Quartet was committed to exploring the full range of the chamber music repertoire, from the classics of the 18th and 19th centuries to contemporary works by 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 Da Vinci Quartet's early career was their performance at the Banff International String Quartet Competition in 1996. The quartet was one of only ten ensembles selected from around the world to compete in this prestigious event, and they made a strong impression with their dynamic and expressive playing. Although they did not win the top prize, they received critical acclaim and were invited to perform at several other major music festivals in the years that followed. Over the years, the Da Vinci Quartet has performed in some of the world's most renowned concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Berlin Philharmonic. They have collaborated with many of the world's leading musicians, including pianist Emanuel Ax, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and violinist Joshua Bell. One of the most memorable performances in the Da Vinci Quartet's history was their 2003 concert at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The quartet performed a program of works by Beethoven, Bartok, and Brahms, and their performance was hailed as "a triumph of ensemble playing" by The Washington Post. The concert was also broadcast on National Public Radio, reaching millions of listeners across the United States. In addition to their performances, the Da Vinci Quartet has also been recognized for their recordings. They have released several albums on the Naxos label, including a critically acclaimed recording of the complete string quartets of Samuel Barber. Their recording of the quartets of Bela Bartok was also highly praised, with Gramophone magazine calling it "a benchmark recording." Throughout their career, the Da Vinci Quartet has received numerous awards and honors. In addition to their success at the Banff International String Quartet Competition, they have also won the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and the Coleman Chamber Music Competition. They have been awarded grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Chamber Music America Residency Partnership Program, and they have been in residence at several universities and music schools. Despite their many achievements, the members of the Da Vinci Quartet remain committed to their original vision of exploring the full range of the chamber music repertoire and bringing fresh insights to even the most familiar pieces.

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