Internationally recognized as one of the finest quartets in the world, the famous American String Quartet did celebrate its 30th anniversary during the 2005 season. Formed in 1974 as its original members were students at The Juilliard School, the American has performed in all 50 states and appeared in the world’s concert halls. Their presentations of the complete quartets of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schoenberg, and Bartók, won widespread praise.
Born into a musical family, Peter Winograd began his studies with his parents, both professional musicians. At 11, he gave his first solo public concert, and at 17 was accepted at The Juilliard School. A very promising young artist, he has been heard with orchestras and in recital across the country. He joined the American String Quartet in 1990. His violin is by Giovanni Maria del Bussetto, Cremona, 1675.
A founding member of the American String Quartet, Laurie Carney comes from a unusual musical family. Her parents were musicians, and her three siblings violinists. She first studied at home and was the youngest violinist ever admitted to The Juilliard School. She has shared the stage with many of the world’s leading artists, including Isaac Stern. Her violin is by Carlo Tononi, Venice, 1763.
Daniel Avshalomov began his training in Oregon, and graduated at The Juilliard School. He joined the American String Quartet, after being principal violist for various orchestras. A frequent guest artist with the Guarneri, Juilliard, and Tokyo quartets. He is a faculty member of Manhattan School of Music, and writes in many musical journals. His instrument is by Andrea Amati, Cremona, 1568.
Since his critically acclaimed Carnegie Hall debut in 1994, cellist Wolfram Koessel has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in concert halls throughout the world. He has established himself as a sought after soloist, performing with many orchestras in Stuttgart, Cordoba and Mendoza (Argentina), San José (Costa Rica), and New York. His cello is by Giovanni Cavani, Modena, 1917.