Trillium String Quartet - Interview
In front of the red light … with the Trillium Quartet! Watch the Full Interview here.
In a world where string quartets often come together through formal auditions and prearranged programs, the Trillium String Quartet is a rare phenomenon. Born out of genuine connection, near-miss encounters, and a shared devotion to the power of chamber music, the ensemble—comprised of Sommer (violin), Judith (violin), Amelia (cello), and Sydney (viola)—is rewriting what it means to be a classical music collective in the 21st century.
What’s striking isn’t just their technical skill or training—though that is clearly evident—it’s the effortless cohesiveness they bring to every piece and the group dynamic. “We’ve become best friends,” they shared, reflecting on how their separate paths nearly intersected multiple times over the years at institutions like McGill and the Cleveland Institute of Music.
Trillium isn’t content to exist solely within traditional classical music structures. Their mission is to reimagine how classical music is experienced—making it more intimate, accessible, and reflective of their generation’s values.
“We want to transform classical spaces,”
they said, noting how often chamber music can feel walled off from the broader cultural conversation. Whether it’s performing in community settings or curating programs that center underrepresented composers, Trillium sees their work and group as an educational tool and a bridge towards connection.
In service of this mission, the quartet will be embarking on a series of hometown tours this year—bringing their music back to the places and communities that shaped them. These performances won’t just be concerts; they’ll be conversations, collaborations, and celebrations of the diverse audiences they hope to reach.
In addition, Trillium has been selected for a prestigious upcoming residency at Kinhaven Music School, a place known for nurturing young chamber musicians. There, they’ll deepen their craft, mentor emerging artists, and continue building their repertoire as a group deeply committed to growth, creativity, and collaboration.
In a field that can often prioritize polish over authenticity, the Trillium Quartet is offering something different: music grounded in relationship, rigor, and radical openness.
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