Euclid String Quartet, Quartet

Biography

The Euclid Quartet, a dynamic ensemble known for performances filled with personality and vibrant color, is recognized as one of the most well-regarded chamber ensembles of its generation. Captivating critics and audiences ranging from Carnegie Hall to school classrooms to radio and television broadcasts, the quartet has performed to great acclaim across the country.

The highlights of the Euclid Quartet's career include its significant international recognition as the only American string quartet since 1993 to be awarded a top prize at the prestigious Osaka International Chamber Music Competition. Prior to its victory in Japan, the quartet also won numerous competitions in the U.S., such as the Hugo Kauder International Competition for String Quartets and the Carmel Chamber Music Competition. Most recently, the Euclid Quartet has been awarded the prominent “American Masterpieces” grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The eclectic mixture of the quartet members – Jameson Cooper, Jacob Murphy, Luis Vargas, and Si-Yan Darren Li – represents four continents of the world. They are originally from Great Britain, the U.S., Venezuela, and China. Formed in Ohio in 1998, the Euclid Quartet takes its name from the famous Euclid Avenue in Cleveland, home to a wealth of artistic and cultural institutions. Within three years, the group became one of only three ensembles awarded the String Quartet Fellowship to participate at the Aspen Music Festival, and was invited to return for the summer concert season in 2006. In addition, the Euclid has appeared in other festivals, including the Kent/Blossom Festival, the Orford Music Festival, and the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival. Apart from performing string quartets, the Euclid Quartet has also collaborated with internationally renowned artists, such as Joseph Silverstein, Jennifer Ringo, and members of the Cleveland Quartet.

In 2007, the Euclid Quartet was appointed the Quartet-in-Residence at Indiana University South Bend, where all four members teach private lessons and coach chamber music. The quartet is committed to exposing young audiences to the joy of chamber music, and frequently performs programs tailored towards children, including a series of performances as “musical explorers” at Carnegie Hall.

The Euclid Quartet is currently working on a project to record all six string quartets of Bela Bartók under the Artek Label. The first disc of quartets Nos. 2, 4 and 6 was released in May of 2010 and has received rave reviews. The second disc with quartets Nos. 1, 3 and 5 is projected to be recorded this year.

The Euclid Quartet is represented by Lisa Sapinkopf Artists.