After six years, the world-renowned Juilliard String Quartet returned to The Tianjin Juilliard School on November 3 with a brand-new lineup for a weeklong residency of teaching and performances. The four musicians—Areta Zhulla, Leonard Fu, Molly Carr, and Astrid Schween—offered a rich program including chamber music coaching, lessons, forum, and master classes, and a concert on November 7.
This visit marks your return to China in six years, and your first time on the Tianjin Juilliard campus. What are your first impressions?
We’re delighted to be back in China, and it’s very special to finally see the completed Tianjin Juilliard campus after visiting the construction site six years ago. The buildings are beautiful—warm, welcoming, and filled with a sense of community.
The lesson studios, rehearsal rooms, and performance spaces are outstanding, truly state-of-the-art. We’ve enjoyed working with students in lessons, coaching, and our Mendelssohn Octet collaboration. They are serious young artists—curious, well-prepared, and eager to explore new ideas. The faculty has also been incredibly welcoming, and we feel a vibrant, multigenerational musical atmosphere here.
This is the first China tour with Leonard. How has his musicianship influenced the ensemble?
Touring with Leonard in his first JSQ season has been thrilling. His musicianship adds a bold, fresh energy, and together we’re shaping the Quartet’s ongoing evolution.
Renewing the group through new members has always been vital to JSQ’s success. Each of us grew up inspired by its concerts and recordings. Member transitions are thoughtfully planned, ensuring continuity and preserving traditions. We feel deeply connected to our predecessors.
How would you describe the core artistic spirit of The Juilliard School and the Quartet’s tradition?
Since 1946, the Juilliard String Quartet has embodied Juilliard’s mission—uniting education and performance at the highest level. The Quartet’s legacy lies not in a single performance style but in fostering curiosity, collaboration, and critical thought. It’s about asking the right questions, remaining open-minded, and passing knowledge to future generations.
What are your impressions of Tianjin Juilliard students in rehearsal?
They’re exceptionally prepared, open, and curious—making music with real engagement and generosity. Our hope for the concert is simple: to enjoy making music together. This international ensemble’s spirit and connection truly reflect the joy of collaboration.
In coachings and rehearsals, what stood out about our students’ musicianship?
Their openness and respect for dialogue. They listen deeply and approach music as communication. We discussed how every sound is both an offering and a response—how chamber music teaches us to speak and listen equally. We hope they carry this sense of unity without uniformity into their future work.
What do you hope younger musicians will gain from chamber music?
At its heart, music is communication. Chamber music teaches collaboration, empathy, and vulnerability—the ability to connect beyond words. For young musicians, it’s an early lesson in generosity, maturity, and seeing others deeply through sound. It’s a lifelong journey toward truthful, shared expressions.
What advice would you offer to young musicians pursuing chamber music today?
There’s a Chinese proverb: “If it’s gold, it will always shine.” Even in fast-changing times, nothing replaces passion, patience, and dedication. Stay curious and open-minded, be kind to peers, nurture meaningful relationships, and hold onto your artistic integrity. Trends may shift, but the inner world you build through music will always endure.
