Ciompi Quartet
Ciompi Quartet | |
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Ciompi Quartet at the Duke Gardens, 2025 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Durham, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation | Chamber ensemble |
| Years active | 1965 – present |
| Labels |
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| Members |
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| Website | ciompi |
The Ciompi Quartet is an American string quartet in residence at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.[1] Founded in 1965 by Italian violinist Giorgio Ciompi, the ensemble is noted for its long-standing commitment to both traditional repertoire and new music, its active pedagogy, and its role in Duke’s musical life.
History
The quartet was founded in 1965 by Giorgio Ciompi, a Florentine violinist, as part of Duke University's artist-in-residence program.[2] The founding members were Ciompi (first violin), Julia Mueller (viola), Arlene DiCecco (second violin), and Luca DiCecco (cello). In 1966, they were officially appointed as the quartet-in-residence at Duke, a role they maintain to this day.
Members
- First Violin
- 1965 - 83: Giorgio Ciompi
- 1984 - 94: Bruce Berg
- 1995 - present: Eric Pritchard
- Second Violin
- 1965 - 73: Arlene DiCecco
- 1973 - 81: Claudia Erdberg
- 1982 - 90: Claudia Bloom
- 1990 - present: Hsiao-mei Ku
- Viola
- 1965 - 75: Julia Mueller
- 1975 - 79: Bruce Plumb
- 1979 - 86: George Taylor
- 1986 - present: Jonathan Bagg
- Violoncello
- 1965 - 73: Luca DiCecco
- 1973 - 74: Sharon Robinson
- 1974 - 18: Fred Raimi
- 2018 - present: Caroline Stinson
Artistic Profile and Activities
The Ciompi Quartet is deeply involved in both performance and education. All current members are faculty in Duke University's Music Department, where they teach lessons, coach chamber music, and lead workshops. Their presence on campus extends to informal concerts (in dormitories and classrooms) as well as formal recitals. Over its decades-long career, the quartet has performed across five continents, including tours in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.[3]
Repertoire and Commissions
While the Ciompi Quartet has a solid footing in the classical and romantic quartet tradition, it is also a strong advocate for contemporary music. Over five decade they have commissioned and premiered works by many composers, especially those associated with Duke University, including Paul Schoenfield, Stephen Jaffe, Scott Lindroth, and Melinda Wagner.
Recordings
- 1992 - The Ciompi Quartet: Frank Bridge, Ludwig von Beethoven; Sheffield Lab
- 1993 - American Works for String Quartet: Aaron Copland, Robert Ward and Stephen Jaffe, Albany Records
- 1994 - The Ciompi Quartet plays Donald Wheelock, Albany Records
- 2003 - Melancholie: Paul Hindemith, Earl Kim, Arvo Pärt and Ralph Vaughan Williams, Albany Records
- 2006 - Live at St. Stephens: Joseph Haydn, Sergei Prokofiev and Maurice Ravel, Ciompi Release
- 2011 - Tales From Chelm | Memoirs: Paul Schoenfield; Milken Archive Digital
- 2013 - Complete Music by Heinrich Wilhelm Ernst, Volume 4; Toccata Classics
- 2015 - Journeys: Journey to the West by Hsu, Chiayu; Naxos
- 2017 - Mosaic - EP: Joel Feigin
- 2025 - A Duke Moment: Anthony Kelley, Stephen Jaffe and Scott Lindroth; New Focus Recordings
Legacy and Impact
The Ciompi Quartet has maintained a continuous presence at Duke University for decades, serving not just as performers but as educators and mentors. Their long-term commissioning of new works has enriched the string quartet repertoire, particularly from composers associated with Duke.
Critics often praise the ensemble for its warm, unified sound, technical excellence, and intelligent programming. Their blend of traditional and modern music, and their dedication to both performance and pedagogy, make them a significant force in American chamber music.
References
- ^ "A Duke Moment - Notes". New Focus Recordings. April 25, 2025. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
- ^ Sexton, Jeremy (March 1, 2019). "Ciompi History". ciompi.org. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
- ^ Thompson, Elizabeth (January 29, 2007). "Harmony in String". This Month at Duke. Duke Today. Retrieved December 15, 2025.