FORMOSA QUARTET RETURNS TO THE MOORES SCHOOL OF MUSIC
For over two decades, the Formosa Quartet has brought enchanting music to audiences across the globe. This fall, they’ll make their way back to UH with a new title as they become the Quartet-in-Residence at the Moores School of Music.
While attending Curtis Institute, founding member of Formosa Quartet, violinist Jasmine Lin, met three musicians. Two of whom were already acquainted from childhood.
When these four Taiwanese-descended friends and musicians explored the sights, sounds, and culture of Taiwan while on tour, something special was born. The chemistry between them was immediate, and with every rehearsal and performance, it grew stronger. Through these moments, the Formosa Quartet was formed.
“Making these connections early on made it feel like family and allowed us [the Formosa Quartet] to organically come together,” says Jasmine.
With a strong foundation and undeniable chemistry, the Formosa Quartet went on to perform at renowned venues throughout the United States, Asia, and Europe. They've given critically acclaimed performances at the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian, the Da Camera Society of Los Angeles, the Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center, and the National Concert Hall in Taipei, just to name a few. Formosa Quartet members Jasmine Lin (violin), Wayne Lee (violin), Matthew Cohen (viola), and Deborah Pae (cello) have not only established themselves as leading solo, chamber, and orchestral musicians, but have also been top prizewinners in prestigious competitions such as the Paganini, Primrose, Fischoff, and Naumburg competitions.
Formosa Quartet has served as teachers of their craft in many capacities across the country, including as guest artists at the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music. This fall, they’ll take on a new title at Moores School of Music as the Quartet-in- Residence.
“The Formosa Quartet brings a level of artistry and experience that takes chamber music at the Moores School to another level. Having an ensemble of this caliber in residence at Moores raises the school’s national profile and adds yet another reason for music students from around the country to choose the University of Houston,” says Dean of the McGovern College of the Arts, Andrew Davis.
Formosa Quartet’s expertise and experience bring invaluable creativity and music-making to the Moores School of Music. “Once again, the Formosa Quartet has infused our classrooms and concert stages with their tremendous energy, passion, and inspiring artistic vision. We are always grateful for their collaborative spirit and willingness to engage deeply with everyone they meet, from student ensembles to community audience members alike,” says Associate Professor of Violin, Dr. Kirsten Yon.
“We spend as much time as possible with students and collaborating with faculty. Sharing this time and experience with the community during our visits is fun and rewarding every time.” says violinist Wayne Lee. “Our experience at Moores has been particularly unique and it's been special to be able to come in and to be trusted for our expertise and have an administration and a team of people including students that are open and receptive to various creative ideas that we want to try as a quartet or want to try with the students. I think that takes a lot of trust,” says cellist Deborah Pae.
Over the past two decades, Formosa Quartet’s repertoire has expanded from championing Taiwanese music and Indigenous cultures to exploring folk traditions and heritages in America today. The Formosa’s newest project, American Mirror program, explores the complexities and richness of American music’s culture in pop and jazz, and includes poetry arrangements. Their search and openness to new ideas to perform in string quartet expression is limitless. When violist Matthew Cohen joined Formosa in 2022, one thing that struck Jasmine Lin was his acting experience. “He and I have been talking about adding a bit of a theater element into our program...maybe scripted vignettes accompanying certain parts of the program, but we have yet to develop that.”
We’re excited to welcome these internationally acclaimed musicians who dare to think outside the box, explore, and expand their repertory.
"I think what sets our residency at Moores apart from others, is that it’s located in the most diverse city. Houston is a great place to tour as musicians because of the amazing audiences and the many experiential moments that happen while on tour that contribute to the way we make and play music,” says Deborah Pae about Formosa’s return to Houston.
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