Vega Quartet Names New Violist

Joseph Skerik will step into the role

The Vega Quartet has recently announced that violist Joseph Skerik will join the quartet, following the departure of its founding violist Yinzi Kong — who had served the ensemble for more than 30 years.

Skerik, who is 23 years old, has studied at the Yale School of Music, the Cleveland Institute of Music, the Paris Conservatory, and the Interlochen Arts Academy. He is also the Co-Founder of Viridian Strings, a chamber music collective for young players based in Northern Michigan.

The Vega Quartet is made up of Emily Daggett Smith and Jessica Shuang Wu (violins), Skerik himself, and Guang Wang (cello). They are the Quartet-in-Residence at Emory University in Atlanta, where they teach in the classroom as well as running the Emory Youth Chamber Music Program.

The quartet has received a number of accolades, including prizes at the Bordeaux String Quartet Competition, the Coleman Chamber Ensemble Competition, the Carmel Chamber Music Competition, and the National Society of Arts and Letters String Quartet Competition.

"This past July we played our last concert with Yinzi, who after more than 30 years decided to retire from the quartet and embark on new adventures," the quartet wrote in a statement. "Together we have shared countless amazing experiences both in music and in life, and we wish her all the best with what lies ahead."

"We are also beyond excited to welcome our new amazing violist Joseph Skerik who will be joining us this Fall," they added.