Applications Open for Curtis' Nina von Maltzahn String Quartet Program

Open to quartets formed at least one year ago at the time of their audition, the application deadline is December 10, 2024

Founded in 2013, the Nina von Maltzahn String Quartet Program at Philadelphia’s Curtis Institute of Music (CIM) has graduated acclaimed ensembles including VC Artists Aizuri Quartet and Viano Quartet.

Open to young quartets of exceptional potential formed for at least one year at the time of auditioning, the Nina von Maltzahn String Quartet Program aims to prepare a new generation of chamber music leaders.

The program will be mentored by CIM’s Ensemble in Residence and program alumni, the Dover Quartet, and will allow quartets the opportunity to perform two professionally recorded recitals and masterclasses for guest quartets and visiting artists.

Participating quartets will also have the chance to perform nationally and abroad through Curtis on Tour, plus participate in contemporary music concerts with the Curtis New Music Ensemble.

Other activities include additional mentorship from the CIM faculty, private lessons with members of the Dover Quartet, and coaching and performing with students of CIM’s Young Artists Initiative. 

To apply, click here. The application deadline is December 10, 2024.

Achievements made by the program’s alumni have included GRAMMY Award nominations, the Avery Fisher Career Grant, top prizes from the M Prize Competition and Astral Artists National Auditions, and recognition in The New York Times, among others.

CIM also offers a two-year Post-Baccalaureate Diploma, as well as a 10-day summer workshop with the Dover Quartet for advanced string quartets. 

“Touring has been an incredible experience for our group,” said a member of the program’s alumni ensemble, the Erinys Quartet in an interview. “Curtis has enabled us to go out there and share our voice with so many places in the USA and Europe that before we started this residency, we wouldn’t have even dreamed of,” they added.

“We hope that we can use all the tools that Curtis has provided us with to keep honing our skills, to keep developing our own unique identity and most importantly, to keep doing what is most fun for us: going on the stage to perform.”

(PC: Roy Cox)