Ciompi Quartet

Ciompi Quartet
Ciompi Quartet at Merkin Concert Hall, 2025
Background information
OriginNew York
Genres
OccupationChamber ensemble
Years active1965 – present
Labels
Members
  • Eric Pritchard (violin)
  • Hsiao-mei Ku (violin)
  • Jonathan Bagg (viola)
  • Caroline Stinson (cello)
Websiteciompi.org

The Ciompi Quartet is an American string quartet in residence at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.[1] 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.

Artistic Profile and Activities

The Ciompi Quartet is deeply involved in both performance and education. All current members are professors of the practice in Duke University's Music Department, where they teach, 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]

Members

First Violin
  • 1965 - 1983: Giorgio Ciompi
  • 1984 - 1994: Bruce Berg
  • 1995 - present: Eric Pritchard
Second Violin
  • 1965 - 1973: Arlene DiCecco
  • 1973 - 1981: Claudia Erdberg
  • 1982 - 1990: Claudia Bloom
  • 1990 - present: Hsiao-mei Ku
Viola
  • 1965 - 1975: Julia Mueller
  • 1975 - 1979: Bruce Plumb
  • 1979 - 1986: George Taylor
  • 1986 - present: Jonathan Bagg
Violoncello
  • 1965 - 1973: Luca DiCecco
  • 1973 - 1974: Sharon Robinson
  • 1974 - 2018: Fred Raimi
  • 2018 - present: Caroline Stinson

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.

A particularly notable collaboration was with pipa player Min Xiao-Fen, for whom contemporary composers such as Alan Chan and Andrew Waggoner wrote new works, including a project titled An American in Shanghai: Forgotten Stories.

In recent years they have solidified their commitment to young writers by forming “The Portfolio Project”. The program offers commissions to current Duke graduate composers for short string quartet movements which are then rehearsed, workshopped and performed by Ciompi. In 2025/26 they expanded the opportunity to also include students from University of North Carolina Greensboro.

Recordings

PLEASE NOTE: Ciompi Quartet Provided the Source for Recording List[4]

At Home and Abroad

The Ciompi Quartet has consistently worked to maintain its presence and impact as both a local and an international ensemble. The quartet has held impactful local residencies, like the one at the Duke University Medical Center beginning in 1980, supported by a grant from Chamber Music America. The quartet has also toured extensively throughout the world, including a 2025 tour to China as both performing artists and guest teachers.


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

  1. ^ "A Duke Moment - Notes". New Focus Recordings. April 25, 2025. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
  2. ^ Sexton, Jeremy (March 1, 2019). "Ciompi History". ciompi.org. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
  3. ^ Thompson, Elizabeth (January 29, 2007). "Harmony in String". This Month at Duke. Duke Today. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
  4. ^ "Discography". Ciompi Full Discography. December 16, 2025. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
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