VC Artist Dover Quartet’s Violist to Step Down

Violist Julianne Lee, who joined the quartet in September 2023, will step down from her position to return to orchestral playing

Violist Julianne Lee joined the two-time GRAMMY-nominated Dover Quartet in September 2023, following the departure of its founding violist Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt in August 2022, and Hezekiah Leung’s season-long appointment in the group until August 2023.

The string quartet also comprises violinists Joel Link and Bryan Lee, and cellist Camden Shaw.

Julianne joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s (BSO) violin section in 2006 and was its acting assistant concertmaster between 2013 and 2015. Since then, she has been BSO’s assistant principal second violin and principal second violin with the Boston Pops Orchestra. 

Until Julianne departs from the Dover Quartet, she will continue to tour with the group through June 2025. She will also be returning to play with the BSO in July for its Tanglewood season. 

“I have some bittersweet news to share,” Julianne said on Dover’s Facebook page. “This past year with the Dover Quartet has been a wonderful whirlwind of touring, performing, recording, and building friendships. I’ve bonded with Joel, Bryan, and Camden both musically and personally in deeply meaningful ways, and I am incredibly grateful for our time together.

“However, being part of one of the world's most in-demand quartets requires being on the road much of the time, and I’ve realized that this schedule doesn’t align as well with my lifestyle as a position with a home orchestra does,” she added.

“I’ve missed the routine and musical experiences of the Boston Symphony, and I will be returning to the orchestra in July for the Tanglewood season. Until then, I’m excited for this upcoming year with my fellow Dovers. Joel, Bryan, and Camden look forward to auditioning my replacement and announcing my successor in the spring. Thank you all for your continuous support.”

A graduate of the Conservatoire Supérieur de Paris, Curtis Institute, and the New England Conservatory, Lee currently serves as a faculty member of the NEC Preparatory School and the Berklee College of Music. She previously served as the principal second violin of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra from 2017 to 2019, and played second violin in the Johannes String Quartet.