Shanghai Quartet

Hailed by The Strad as “a foursome of uncommon refinement and musical distinction”, the Shanghai Quartet has earned the reputation as one of the world's most outstanding quartets. Originally formed in Shanghai, this versatile ensemble is known for their passionate musicality, astounding technique, and multicultural innovations. The Quartet's elegant style of melding the delicacy of Eastern music with Western repertoire allows them to travel the world, both onstage and in the recording studio.

Formed at the Shanghai Conservatory in 1983, the Shanghai Quartet has worked with such distinguished artists as cellists Yo-Yo Ma and David Soyer; flutist Eugenia Zukerman; guitarists Eliot Fisk and Sharon Isbin; pianists Gerhard Oppitz, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Menahem Pressler, Ruth Laredo, and Joseph Kalichstein; and violinist Arnold Steinhardt. Regularly touring the major music centers of Europe and North America, the Shanghai Quartet has performed, among other locations, in London, Hamburg, Milan, and Amsterdam, as well as in Detroit, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Portland, Princeton, St. Paul, Toronto, and Washington, D.C., where they appear frequently at the Freer Gallery. In addition, they often tour major Asian cities in China, Japan, and Korea. The quartet has also performed in Australia and New Zealand. Recent international engagements include The Casals Festival in Puerto Rico and The West Cork Chamber Music Festival in Ireland.

The Quartet has a distinguished teaching record. Their involvements now include serving as the Quartet-in-Residence at Montclair State University, where they teach chamber music and offer individual lessons. The Shanghai Quartet is also in their 13th year of residency at the University of Richmond. In addition, they serve as resident guest professors at the Shanghai Conservatory in China. The Quartet has also served as Ensemble-in-Residence at the Tanglewood and Ravinia festivals and has made several appearances at Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival and on it "Great Performers" series. In addition, the quartet served as Graduate Ensemble-in-Residence at the Juilliard School, assisting the Juilliard String Quartet.