Ying Quartet brings chamber music & mastery to Southern Oregon

From January 21-25, Britt had the pleasure of welcoming the internationally acclaimed Ying Quartet to Southern Oregon for a week filled with learning, listening, and live performance. Their visit exemplified Britt’s year-round commitment to music education and community connection by bringing world-class musicians into Oregon classrooms, concert halls, and libraries.

The quartet’s residency began with a robust slate of educational outreach, reaching students of all ages and musical backgrounds. This past Thursday, Ying Quartet spent the morning at North Medford High School, working with the school’s Sinfonia class. The ensemble performed for students before engaging in an interactive Q&A, sharing insights on musicianship, the importance of practice, and strategies for developing strong pitch and intonation. For many students, the opportunity to hear and speak with professional chamber musicians offered both inspiration and practical guidance.

That afternoon, the quartet traveled to Lone Pine Elementary School, where they performed for approximately 430 students in grades 1–5. In the school gym, the musicians introduced young listeners to chamber music, creating an engaging and accessible experience that was perfect for any student who may have been experiencing orchestra music for the very first time. Following each piece, dozens of eager hands shot up to ask members of the quartet questions about the music, composers, or the musicians themselves.

Ying Quartet closed out their educational tour at Grants Pass High School, spending time with the school’s audition-based Chamber Orchestra. Students, currently studying works by Bach, Holst, and Rutter, got a glimpse into the quartet’s professional perspective and musical expertise.

In addition to their school visits, the Ying Quartet shared their artistry with the wider community through two winter chamber music performances. On Saturday, the quartet presented a free public concert at the Curry Public Library in Gold Beach, offering coastal residents the chance to experience live chamber music right at home. The program featured works by Joseph Haydn, Billy Childs, and Ludwig van Beethoven, spanning centuries of string quartet repertoire and highlighting the ensemble’s versatility and expressive range. The following afternoon, the same program was performed in the historic Jacksonville City Hall building, bringing the weekend of music to a close with an intimate sold-out concert experience.

From elementary school gyms and high school rehearsal rooms to libraries and historic performance spaces, the Ying Quartet’s residency showcased the many ways Britt connects artists with community throughout the year, not just during the summer season. These winter chamber concerts and educational visits reflect an ongoing dedication to nurturing young musicians, enriching classrooms, and ensuring that exceptional live music remains accessible across several  Southern Oregon regions. The Ying Quartet did a remarkable job sharing their time, talent, and insight, all while explaining the material in a digestible way for young people and even making us laugh along the way. And thank you to our local educators, community partners, and audiences who made this week of music possible.

Britt has two more Chamber Music groups scheduled to visit Southern Oregon this off season; Terra String Quartet and Cellist Tommy Mesa with Pianist Albert Cano-Smit. Tickets for the March 22 Jacksonville concert featuring Tommy Mesa and Albert Cano-Smit is sold out, but tickets are still available to see Terra String Quartet on February 28.