Inspired by American artist Alexander Calder, the Calder Quartet performs traditional quartet repertoire as well as partnering with innovative modern composers, a unique approach that garnered them the 2009 ASCAP Adventurous Programming Award. The group enjoys close partnerships with the composers Christopher Rouse and Terry Riley, and has performed extensively with the indie rock band Airborne Toxic Event. The quartet was formed at the University of Southern California‘s (USC) Thornton School of Music and was the Graduate Quartet-in-Residence at The Juilliard School.

Benjamin Jacobson, violin, made his solo debut at age 13 with the San Diego Symphony. A graduate of the University of Southern California and the Colburn Conservatory, career highlights include solo performances with the Colburn Orchestra as well as chamber and recital appearances at Chamber Music Sedona in Sedona, Arizona. He performs on a Joseph Antonius Rocca violin c. 1837, on loan from the Mandell Collection.

Andrew Bulbrook, violin, made his solo debut with orchestra at age 15. As a soloist and recitalist he has appeared with ensembles such as the Boston Classical Orchestra, the Colburn Orchestra and the American Youth Symphony in venues from Boston‘s landmark Jordon Hall to Royce Hall in Los Angeles. He performs on a violin by Francesco Ruggieri, c. 1673.

Jonathan Moerschel, viola, began keyboard and violin studies at an early age and picked up the viola at the age of sixteen. Shortly after he made his solo debut with the Boston Pops Orchestra under Keith Lockhart after taking first prize in the Boston Symphony Orchestra Competition. Mr. Moerschel was a member of the USC Early Music Ensemble and the USC Contemporary Music Ensemble. He plays on the “ex-Adam” Gasparo da Salo on generous loan from the Stradivari Society.

Eric Byers, cello received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Southern California where he studied under Ronald Leonard. Mr. Byers has been principal cellist of the Aspen Concert Orchestra, USC Thorton School of Music Chamber Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra, Starling Chamber Orchestra and National Guild Youth Symphony in Philadelphia. He performs on a cello by Benjamin Banks, made in London c.1775.