The Aizuri Quartet is an American string quartet formed in 2012.[1] Known for its performance of new music as well as the traditional repertoire, it has served as the quartet-in-residence at a number of cultural organizations, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2017–2018,[2] the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, 2015–2016,[3] and the Curtis Institute, 2014–2016.[4] Its name is taken from aizuri-e, a Japanese style of woodblock printing that is mostly blue.[5]
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Members
editThe quartet was founded by Ayane Kozasa, viola, Karen Ouzounian, cello, and Miho Saegusa and Zoe Martin-Doike, violins.[1] Martin-Doike departed in 2015, and was replaced by Arianna Kim.[6] With Kim's departure late in 2019, violinist Emma Frucht joined the ensemble.[7]
Awards
editThe Aizuri Quartet has been selected to receive the Cleveland Quartet Award for the 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons.[8]
The Aizuri Quartet was awarded the Grand Prize First Place at the 2018 M-Prize Chamber Arts Competition.[9]
In 2017, the quartet won First Place at the ninth Osaka International Chamber Music Competition and Festa.[10]
Aizuri was also awarded third place at the 2015 Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition.[11]
Commissioned works
editWorks written expressly for the Aizuri Quartet include:
- Lembit Beecher, Sophia's Wide Awake Dreams[12]
- Evan Premo, Deeply Known[13]
- Yevgeniy Sharlat, RIPEFG[12]
- Caroline Shaw, Blueprint[6]
- Gabriella Smith, Carrot Revolution[14]
- Paul Wiancko, Lift[12]
Recordings
editBlueprinting, New Amsterdam, 2018;[12] nominated for a Grammy award.[15]
The Bells Bow Down: Chamber Music of Ilari Kaila, Innova, 2020.[16]
Earthdrawn Skies, 2022[17]
References
edit- ^ a b "On Stage at Curtis: The Aizuri Quartet". PBS. 27 December 2015. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
- ^ "2017-18 Quartet in Residence: Aizuri Quartet". The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
- ^ "Aizuri Quartet: 2015-16 Ernst Stiefel String Quartet-in-Residence". Caramoor. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
- ^ Barker, Matthew (Fall 2014). "Everything Essential: How a Small Conservatory Became an Incubator for Great American Quartet Players" (PDF). Overtones. p. 12. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
- ^ Albright, William (30 January 2020). "Bold Aizuri Leaps Across Eras with Quartet Ventures". Classical Voice North America: Journal of the Music Critics Association of North America. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
- ^ a b Jean, Grace (10 April 2016). "In Aizuri Quartet, a Natural Bond and a Captivating Performance". The Washington Post. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
- ^ "Introducing Emma Frucht". Aizuri Quartet. 27 November 2019. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
- ^ "Aizuri Quartet to Receive 2022 Cleveland Quartet Award". CMA News. 24 Jan 2022.
- ^ "Winners Named at $100,000 M-Prize Chamber Music Competition". The Strad. 8 May 2018. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
- ^ "Aizuri Quartet Takes Top String Quartet Prize at Osaka International Chamber Music Competition". The Strad. 23 May 2017. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
- ^ "2015 Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition". Wigmore Hall. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
- ^ a b c d Jurik, Andy (8 October 2018). "Aizuri Quartet's "Blueprinting" is One of the Best Contemporary Classical Debuts of the Year". PopMatters. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
- ^ Espeland, Pamela (5 June 2019). "Minnesota Humanities Center has New CEO; Aizuri Quartet returns to Sundin Hall". MinnPost. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
- ^ Hodges, Bruce (3 May 2019). "Concert review: Aizuri Quartet and Mary Bonhag (soprano)". The Strad. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
- ^ "Artist Aizuri Quartet". Recording Academy Grammy Awards. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
- ^ Harris, George W. (30 March 2020). "Modern Classical Moods…Aizuri Quartet and Adrienne Kim: The Bells Bow Down; Jeremy Beck: By Moonlight". Jazz Weekly. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
- ^ Huizenga, Tom (29 June 2023). "From soil to stars, the new Aizuri Quartet album offers a space to think". NPR. Retrieved 2 July 2023.