It seems unlikely that an international cello quartet would have come together during the height of the COVID pandemic, but against all odds, the Galvin Cello Quartet did. Their story is a testament to the power of teamwork that exceeds all expectations of traditional chamber music.
Cellists Sihao He of China, Korean-American Sydney Lee, Chinese-American Haddon Kay and Luiz Fernando Venturelli of Brazil met as students at Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music in the studio of acclaimed pedagogue Hans Jørgen Jensen.
““The Galvin Cello Quartet explores the limitless range of a cello ensemble by bringing together new works from diverse cultural backgrounds while seeking to establish the cello quartet as a core part of the classical music world.””
As part of a tight-knit cello studio at Bienen, the four friends wanted to channel their collective passion for music instilled in them by Jensen. But with pandemic restrictions in place, the school running virtually and Venturelli back home in Brazil, performing as a string quartet was not possible.
Despite these challenges, the four cellists, each with their own personality and charisma and eager to explore the colors and timbres of the cello together, decided to enter the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. With the deadline quickly approaching, Venturelli's return to the states came sooner than anticipated, and all quarantine guidelines and safety measures were taken. The following 12 days were filled with preparation, rehearsals and one final recording session of all the required repertoire before the quartet exploded onto the scene.
The pandemic may have dampened and muted many concert stages, hopes and livelihoods for artists and musicians, but music has limitless possibilities to heal and restore. Galvin Cello Quartet captured the silver medal at the 2021 Fischoff Competition, followed shortly by winning the 2022 Victor Elmaleh Competition and joining the Concert Artists Guild roster.
Since its illustrious debut, the quartet has continued to play together and prepare new repertoire for upcoming concerts. With their untamable desire to create, change and ultimately bring joy through music, He, Lee, Kay and Venturelli are more excited than ever to explore and expand the possibilities of a cello quartet. Through its music, the Galvin Cello Quartet hopes to celebrate and convey the values of friendship, creativity and resilience in an ever-changing world.
You can experience the beauty and depth of this award-winning cello quartet for just $10 on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 7 pm. This 10x10 Arts Series performance also includes a creative conversation with the artists following the show.