Attacca Quartet is an American string quartet founded in 2014 and based in New York City. The ensemble specializes in a repertoire that spans classical masterworks, contemporary compositions, and genre‑crossing projects, and it is noted for its collaborations with living composers and artists from diverse musical traditions.
History and formation
The quartet was formed by four graduate students at the Juilliard School. Since its inception, Attacca Quartet has been active in performance, education, and recording, maintaining a presence on the international concert circuit.
Membership
The group follows the standard string‑quartet instrumentation of two violins, a viola, and a cello. As of the early 2020s, its members have included violinists Andrew Yee and Austin Hartman, violist Michael Nicolas, and cellist Michael Hsu. Personnel changes have been limited, and the ensemble is recognized for its cohesive artistic identity.
Artistic focus
Attacca Quartet emphasizes contemporary music, regularly commissioning and premiering new works. The quartet has partnered with composers such as Caroline Shaw, Nico Muhly, and Gabriela Lena Frank, contributing to the expansion of the modern string‑quartet repertoire. In addition to new music, the ensemble performs standard quartet literature by composers including Beethoven, Mozart, and Shostakovich.
Performances and recognition
The quartet has performed at major venues and festivals, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Tanglewood Music Festival, and the Verbier Festival. It has received several accolades, notably the Grand Prize at the 2021 Banff International String Quartet Competition and a Chamber Music America Classical Commissioning Grant.
Recordings
Attacca Quartet has released recordings on several labels, among them Deutsche Grammophon and New Focus Recordings. Their discography includes albums dedicated to contemporary composers, as well as interpretations of canonical quartet works.
Educational activities
Members of the quartet hold teaching positions at institutions such as the Manhattan School of Music and the Juilliard School, and they conduct master classes, workshops, and outreach programs aimed at fostering the next generation of chamber musicians.
Publications and media
The ensemble’s activities have been covered by publications including The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC Music Magazine. Interviews and performance videos are available through the quartet’s official website and various streaming platforms.