The Calidore String Quartet: From Colburn Roots to Beethoven’s Timeless Legacy
Calidore String Quartet
The Calidore String Quartet’s journey is a testament to the power of collaboration, resilience, and a shared passion for chamber music. Formed nearly 15 years ago at the Colburn School in Los Angeles, the quartet’s origins were serendipitous yet transformative. What began as a class project between cellist Estelle Choi and violinist Jeffrey Myers evolved into a professional ensemble when violist Jeremy Berry and violinist Ryan Meehan joined the group. “We’ve been fortunate to have a shared educational foundation and a collective mentality about hard work, which has been key to our longevity,” Meehan reflects. This unity has allowed the quartet to build an enduring partnership that thrives on individuality within a cohesive whole.
The quartet’s career trajectory was marked by a series of breakthrough moments, each contributing to their rise in the chamber music world. Their first major milestone came early with a victory at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, a pivotal experience that solidified their decision to pursue a professional career. “Winning Fischoff was the moment we knew we were all in,” Berry recalls. Further opportunities followed, including being named to the prestigious CMS Two Program (now the Bowers Program) at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. This affiliation, alongside mentorship from David Finckel and Wu Han, helped establish their reputation as one of the leading string quartets of their generation. “Performing at Alice Tully Hall and collaborating with other incredible musicians elevated our artistry and credibility,” says Berry.
Mentorship has been central to the quartet’s development, with influences ranging from their primary teachers at Colburn to legendary artists like Arnold Steinhardt of the Guarneri Quartet and the Emerson String Quartet. “We’ve been fortunate to draw wisdom from many great musicians, each of whom has shaped our sound and approach,” Choi shares. This guidance has fueled their commitment to excellence and their mission to pass on knowledge to the next generation of musicians. “Music is an oral tradition,” Meehan explains. “We feel it’s our duty to share the invaluable lessons we’ve learned so they’re not lost.”
The Calidore String Quartet’s performances are defined by their emotional depth and connection with audiences. While they’ve played on world-class stages like Alice Tully Hall and Lincoln Center, some of their most memorable moments have occurred in intimate settings. Berry recalls a house concert where they performed the slow movement of a Brahms quartet. “It was such a casual setting, but the energy in the room was magical. It felt like everyone was creating something together,” he says. Meehan adds that collaborations, such as a performance of Mozart with clarinetist Anthony McGill, have also been deeply inspiring. “McGill’s presence and focus elevated all of us. It was a reminder of the power of being fully present in music.”
This season marks a significant milestone for the quartet as they tackle one of the pinnacles of the string quartet repertoire: Beethoven’s complete cycle of quartets. Their performances at Alice Tully Hall and recordings for Signum Records are a culmination of years of preparation and dedication. “Recording the Beethoven cycle feels like capturing our legacy,” Myers says. “It’s a way to document our interpretation for future generations.” With the early quartets already released, the ensemble eagerly anticipates sharing the middle and late works in the coming months. “Performing these works live is both a privilege and a dream come true,” Choi adds.
Looking ahead, the Calidore String Quartet remains committed to balancing the standard repertoire with new commissions and underperformed works. “We want to reflect the evolution of the canon through the lens of our generation,” Meehan explains. Their dedication to mentoring young musicians is equally important. “Working with the next generation keeps us energized and inspired,” Choi notes. “Passing on what we’ve learned is one of the most rewarding aspects of what we do.”
For the members of the Calidore String Quartet, success isn’t defined by accolades or fame but by the ability to pursue meaningful projects with people they admire. “Success is about making decisions that align with the life you envision for yourself,” Meehan says. Choi adds, “It’s about finding your voice and using it to connect with others. For me, that happens through my cello.” Myers sums it up simply: “Getting to do this with people I respect and care about is a dream come true.”
The Calidore String Quartet’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep love for music. As they continue to perform, record, and mentor, they are shaping a legacy that celebrates the richness of the string quartet tradition while inspiring new generations to carry it forward.
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