Cordero replaces Jonathan Brown, who left the the quartet after 22 years to take up the role of professor of chamber music at the Colburn School in Los Angeles
The Casals Quartet has announced the appointment of Cristina Cordero as its new violist, following the departure of long-standing violist Jonathan Brown earlier this month.
’This is a new beginning for us, a moment filled with excitement, opportunity and plenty of ambitious projects,’ said the quartet on social media. ’We are proud and lucky to be starting this new chapter alongside Cristina, a musician whose infectious energy and musical personality has been a rejuvenating force, rekindling our passion and understanding of the art of string quartet playing.
’We can’t wait to share the sound of the new Cuarteto Casals on stage with all of you. Thank you and welcome to the family, Cristina!’
Spanish-born violist Cordero is a former student of Brown at the Reina Sofía School of Music, where she also studied with Diemut Poppen, Nobuko Imai, Wenting Kang and Heime Müller. She also studied at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Munich under the tutelage of Hariolf Schlichtig.
She has been a guest artist at numerous festivals, including the Verbier Festival, Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Schloss Elmau Festival, Festival Emergents, Eggenfelden Klassisch and Krzyzowa-Music, among others.
Cordero described her appointment as ’a dream come true’ on social media, stating that she grew up listening to the quartet’s albums and attending its concerts and masterclasses.
’I had the privilege of studying with Jonathan Brown at the Reina Sofía School of Music, [where] his values and love of music have been with me ever since.’
She described playing with the ensemble, comprising violinists Vera Martínez Mehner and Abel Tomàs, and cellist Arnau Tomàs, as ’one of the most beautiful and inspiring experiences I’ve ever had.’
Read: Violist to depart Casals Quartet after 22 years
Read: Cello professor and string quartets take top honours at Reina Sofía School of Music
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