Argus Quartet Appoints Two New Members

The quartet welcomes violinist Sam Parrini and cellist Drake Driscoll to the ensemble

Following the departure of cellist Mariel Roberts and founding violinist Clara Kim, the Argus Quartet welcomes two new members.

Violinist Sam Parrini and cellist Drake Driscoll will join violinist Giancarlo Latta and violist Maren Rothfritz.

“We are so excited to welcome Sam and Drake to the Argus Quartet," Rothfritz said. "They are both incredible musicians and people, and we feel they embody the spirit of Argus and our mission of exploring a wide-ranging repertoire, bringing brand new works to life, and connecting with communities through performing, education, and commissioning. This is an exciting new evolution of Argus and I’m excited for what we will create together.”

Cellist Drake Driscoll is the co-founder and Executive Director of The VISION Collective — an ensemble dedicated to building meaningful relationships with and among refugees and new Americans.

Violinist Sam Parrini is a recent graduate of the Juilliard School and has performed as a soloist with the McGill Symphony Orchestra, the Beaufort Symphony, and the Clemson Symphony Orchestra.

Both Parrini and Driscoll are currently teaching artists for the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

Formed in Los Angeles in 2013, the Argus Quartet won First Prize at both the M-Prize Chamber Arts Competition and the Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition.

Highlights of the Argus Quartet’s recent seasons include performances at Carnegie Hall, the University of Denver, and ArtPower at UC San Diego; educational residencies at the Virginia Arts Festival and Temple University; and premieres of newly commissioned works by Joseph Bohigian, Leilehua Lanzilotti, and Jessica Meyer.

“We want to express our deep gratitude to Mariel for her artistic contributions to the group, and especially to Clara for her tireless commitment to Argus from its founding in 2013,” says violinist Giancarlo Latta. “We thank both Mariel and Clara for many treasured musical moments that will continue to inspire us in the ensemble’s next chapter.”