Performances + Events
Professional String Quartet Program
NEC’s Professional String Quartet Program is designed for top-tier musicians seeking a platform to take their artistry and professional careers to new heights.
Under the mentorship of renowned cellist Paul Katz of the Cleveland Quartet, quartets gain two years of tuition-free training at the highest level, mentorship in all aspects of musicianship and career development, and unparalleled performance opportunities.
Professional String Quartet Program
Balourdet Quartet
NEC’s most recent Quartet in Residence was the Balourdet Quartet, comprising Angela Bae ’22 MM and Justin DeFilippis ’17, ’22 GD, violin; Benjamin Zannoni ’17, ’22 GD, viola; and Russell Houston ’22 GD, cello. The Balourdet Quartet was in residence at NEC from 2020-2023. The quartet’s accolades include the Grand Prize at the Concert Artist Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition (2021), Top Prize at the Premio Paolo Borciani Competition (2021), Gold Medal at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition (2020), and Gold Medal and Audience Award, Chamber Music Yellow Springs Competition (2020).
Professional String Quartet Program
About the Program
Directed by Paul Katz, cellist of the legendary Cleveland Quartet for 26 years, the Professional String Quartet Program provides a curriculum of intensive coaching for exceptional groups that possess the talent, potential, and commitment to a professional life together. It is open only to existing string quartets, rather than individuals, and the program typically lasts for two years. Applications and competitive auditions take place whenever there is an opening, usually on a bi-annual basis.
Each member of a selected quartet receives a full tuition scholarship, a $10,000 stipend, two weekly coaching sessions with Paul Katz, one weekly coaching session with another member of NEC’s esteemed string faculty, weekly individual studio instruction, and training in all aspects of musicianship and career development. Quartets perform an annual recital in NEC’s world-renowned Jordan Hall and are contracted through NEC for community engagement opportunities and performances at venues such as the Kennedy Center, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the New School Schneider Series, among others.
Students in the Professional String Quartet Program may apply for a Master of Music in the Art of String Quartet, a degree available only to members of this program. In addition, as quartet members often vary in age and are often at different stages of their academic careers, students can apply for other degrees and diplomas. Questions regarding these details can be asked of admissions staff.
Ready to apply? Visit our admissions website to learn more about the application process and connect with our admissions team.
Learn MoreProfessional String Quartet Program
Past NEC Quartets
The quartets listed below represent the membership during their participation in NEC’s Professional String Quartet program.
Balourdet Quartet (2020–2023)
Angela Bae ’22 MM and Justin DeFilippis ’17, ’22 GD, violin; Benjamin Zannoni ’17, ’22 GD, viola; and Russell Houston ’22 GD, cello
Quartet-in-Residence, Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University; Grand Prize, Concert Artist Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition (2021); Top Prize, Premio Paolo Borciani Competition (2021); Gold Medal, Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition (2020); Gold Medal and Audience Award, Chamber Music Yellow Springs Competition (2020)
Verona Quartet (2017–2020)
Jonathan Ong and Dorothy Ro, violin; Abigail Rojansky, viola, Jonathan Dormand ’12 M.M., cello
Quartet-in-Residence, Oberlin College and Conservatory; Chamber Music America’s Cleveland Quartet Award (2020); Dinin Arts Management
Omer Quartet (2015–2017)
Mason Yu ‘15 MM, and Erica Tursi, violin; Jinsun Hong,‘13 MM ‘13 GD, viola; Alex Cox, cello
Top Prize, Premio Paolo Borciani Competition (2017); First Prize, Young Concert Artists International Auditions (2017); Second Prize, Trondheim International Competition (2017); Grand Prize and Gold Medal, Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition (2013)
Harlem Quartet (2010–2013)
Ilmar Gavilán and Melissa White ‘12 MM, violin; Juan-Miguel Hernandez, viola; Paul Wiancko, cello
Grammy Award Winner (2013 – Best Instrumental Composition with Chick Corea); Sciolino Artist Management; White House Performance (2009)
Ariel String Quartet (2008–2010)
Gershon Gerchikov ‘09, and Alexandra Kazovsky ’08, violin; Sergey Tarashchansky ’08, viola; Amit Even-Tov ‘09, cello
Faculty Quartet-in-Residence, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music; Chamber Music America’s Cleveland Quartet Award (2014); MKI Artists
Parker Quartet (2006–2008)
Daniel Chong ‘04 ‘08 MM, and Karen Kim ‘05 ‘08 MM, violin; Jessica Bodner ‘04 ‘08 MM, viola, Kee-hyun Kim ‘05 ‘08 MM, cello
Blodgett Artists-in-Residence, Harvard University; Grand Prize and Mozart Prize, Bordeaux International String Quartet Competition (20XX); Grammy Award Winner (2011 – Best Chamber Music Performance; Chamber Music America’s Cleveland Quartet Award (2009); MKI Artists
Jupiter String Quartet (2004–2006)
Nelson Lee ‘04 GD and Meg Freivogel ’04 MM, violin, Liz Freivogel ‘02 MM ‘04 GD, viola, Daniel McDonough, cello
Artists-in-residence and faculty, University of Illinois; Avery Fisher Career Grant (2008); Chamber Music America’s Cleveland Quartet Award (2007); Banff International String Quartet Competition (2004); Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition (2004); Jensen Artists
Biava Quartet (2002–2004)
Austin Hartman and Hyunsu Ko, violin; Mary Persin, viola; Jacob Braun, cello
Naumburg Chamber Music Award, Astral Artist National Auditions
Kuss Quartet (2002)
Jana Kuss and Oliver Wille, violin; William Coleman, viola; Felix M. Nickel, cello
Konzertdirektion Dr. Rudolf Goette; 1st Prize Borciani Competition
