Strings
As a string player, you strive to join a tradition of the best in repertoire and performance. At Illinois our faculty has long added prestige and innovation to that tradition. Paul Rolland pioneered action teaching, developing a method now used worldwide. The Walden String Quartet was the first ensemble to teach in residence at an American university. Today's string faculty continues the pursuit of excellence, spearheaded by the dynamic young Pacifica Quartet. The group, which originated on the West coast, has won the Coleman, Concert Artists Guild, Naumburg, and Cleveland Quartet competitions and awards, the Avery Fisher Career Grant (only the second chamber ensemble ever selected) and has become resident quartet at Lincoln Center in New York. Their many recording projects most recently have embraced all of Mendelssohn's quartets, and innumerable living composers have written works for the personable, expressive, and innovative ensemble. Violinist Stefan Milenkovich is recognized internationally for both exceptional artistry and his life-long commitment to humanitarianism. Harpist Ann Yeung is known internationally for her contemporary music performances and articles and has trained several international and national competition winners and the innovative HarpCore 4 in her studio. Violist Rudolf Haken composes and performs in virtuoso classical and pop idioms, cellist Ani Aznavoorian is known for her beautiful tonal control and agile technique, and bassist Michael Cameron concertizes internationally as a new music specialist. Violinist Sherban Lupu imparts his extensive solo and chamber experience. As a string student at Illinois you will participate in outstanding ensembles, studio classes, and master classes and will find a faculty dedicated to helping you further the great string tradition.