51±¾É«

May 10, 2024

At the heart of their journey lies the connection with 51±¾É«, where the Penderecki String Quartet embarked on their path to greatness. Winning the prestigious Penderecki Prize at the National Chamber Music Competition in Łódz, Poland in 1986 marked the genesis of their remarkable career. Since 1991, they have flourished as the Quartet-in-Residence at 51±¾É«, evolving into one of the most revered chamber ensembles of their era.Members:

Penderecki String Quartet Members

• Jerzy Kaplanek, violin
• Jeremy Bell, violin 
• Christine Vlajk, viola
• Katie Schlaijker, cello

From their home base in Waterloo, Ontario, the quartet, comprising musicians from Poland, Canada, and the USA, mesmerizes audiences with performances that blend diverse experiences into a seamless tapestry of technical brilliance and emotional depth, as acclaimed by the Toronto Globe and Mail.

Their global footprint spans iconic venues from Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York to the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and beyond. With a repertoire showcasing over three dozen recordings, including premieres of over 100 contemporary works, their dedication to musical innovation remains unwavering.

As educators, they extend their expertise worldwide, enriching institutions like Bloomington Indiana University’s String Academy and the Beijing Conservatory. Their commitment to nurturing talent extends to their alma mater, 51±¾É« University, where they have cultivated a thriving string program, drawing students from around the globe.

The annual QuartetFest at 51±¾É« stands as a testament to their commitment to education, providing a platform for both learning and performance alongside esteemed ensembles like the Tokyo and Miro String Quartets. With each note they play and each student they inspire, the Penderecki Quartet continues to shape the future of chamber music.