The Philomusica Quartet is excited and honored to return as the resident string quartet at the Wisconsin Lutheran College. True to their name, (philo – love of + musica – music), violinists Jeanyi Kim and Alexander Mandl, violist Nathan Hackett and cellist Adrien Zitoun formed the Philomusica Quartet in 2008 to create an outlet for sharing and expressing their love of chamber music. Recognized for their compelling programing, the versatile Philomusica Quartet, continues to delight their growing audience with jewels of the string quartet repertoire and win the praise from critics. Each member brings a wealth of experience as versatile performer and educator to the group.
“The players were at their best as individuals and as an ensemble in the biggest, most densely written portions of the piece, playing with precision, vigor and engaging musical direction.” Elaine Schmidt, Journal Sentinel, 2015
“These musicians do not merely play; they decide what sound is right for what music.” Tom Strini Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2009
In addition to their renown Milwaukee concert series, their reputation has brought them to performances at institutions such as Yale University, Roosevelt University, UW-Parkside and UW-Milwaukee, Lakeland College, Nicolet College, Oconomowoc Arts Center, Fine Arts at First, and the Searl Pickett Chamber Music Series, among others. The quartet has performed in live broadcasts (WFMT, Chicago) as part of the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts. They also have been heard in the series Sunday Afternoon Live from the Chazen. The Philomusicians have recently collaborated with highly esteemed artists such as Mathieu Dufour (Principal Flute, Berlin Philharmonic), Susan Babini (Principal Cello, Milwaukee Symphony), Todd Levy (Principal Clarinet, Milwaukee Symphony), Rene Izquierdo (Professor of Guitar, UW-Milwaukee), Melinda Lee Masur (Pianist, Lee Trio) and Winston Choi (Head of Piano, Roosevelt University) among others. The Philomusica Quartet is featured in High Autumn, works by James Grant – a CD release with clarinetist William Helmers. Past residencies have included the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.
“They bring cohesion, intelligence, and sensitivity…and they decide what sound is right for what music.” Tom Strini, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2009