The Alexander String Quartet Appoints Violinist Yuna Lee

Lee was co-founder of the Phaedrus Quartet alongside Ilya Gringolts, and frequently appears with the San Francisco Symphony

San Francisco's Alexander String Quartet recently appointed violinist Yuna Lee to the group. She succeeds outgoing violinist Fred Lifsitz, who stood down from the quartet in early 2023.

Yuna Lee studied with Cho-Liang Lin and Naoko Tanaka at The Juilliard School, where she also received chamber music coaching from members of the Guarneri, Emerson, Juilliard, and Tokyo String Quartets.

She co-founded the Phaedrus String Quartet in 1999 alongside Ilya Gringolts, and made many prestigious appearances with this ensemble — including alongside Nicholas Angelich, Yuri Bashmet, and Joshua Bell at the Verbier Festival.

She has lived in San Francisco since 2010, and regularly appears with the San Francisco Symphony, alongside an active career as a chamber musician.

Also comprising violinist Zakarias Grafino, violist David Samuel, and cellist Sandy Wilson, the Alexander String Quartet was formed in New York City in 1981. The group immediately garnered attention, winning the 1982 Concert Artists Guild Competition and becoming the first American quartet to win the London International String Quartet Competition in 1985.

The group has now performed in major concert centers on five continents, and since 1989 has served as the Ensemble in Residence of San Francisco Performances.

"The Alexander String Quartet could not be more excited to welcome Yuna Lee to the group,' said violist David Samuel. "Yuna is a wonderful musician and a truly delightful human being."

"As a Bay Area local, she also shares a deep connection with the region and this will be a huge asset as we endeavor to grow our work in the community," he continued. "We know that audiences are going to love her playing as much as we do, and we look forward to many concerts and other adventures together for years to come!"

"I am thrilled and honored to be joining the Alexander String Quartet," Lee said. "I look forward to continuing the work of the ensemble’s remarkable legacy and seeing where our shared passion leads as we embark on our 43rd season."