Ciompi Quartet

The Ciompi Quartet is an American string quartet in residence at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Founded in 1965 by Italian violinist Giorgio Ciompi, the ensemble is noted for its long-standing commitment to both traditional repertoire and new music, its active pedagogy, and its role in Duke’s musical life.

History

The quartet was founded in 1965 by Giorgio Ciompi, a Florentine violinist, as part of Duke University's artist-in-residence program. The founding members were Ciompi, Julia Mueller, Arlene DiCecco, and Luca DiCecco. In 1966, they were officially appointed as the quartet-in-residence at Duke, a role they maintain to this day.

Artistic Profile and Activities

The Ciompi Quartet is deeply involved in both performance and education. All current members are faculty in Duke University's Music Department, where they teach lessons, coach chamber music, and lead workshops. Their presence on campus extends to informal concerts as well as formal recitals. Over its decades-long career, the quartet has performed across five continents, including tours in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Members

;First Violin

1965 - 1983: Giorgio Ciompi
1984 - 1994: Bruce Berg
1995 - present: Eric Pritchard

;Second Violin

1965 - 1973: Arlene DiCecco
1973 - 1981: Claudia Erdberg
1982 - 1990: Claudia Bloom
1990 - present: Hsiao-mei Ku

;Viola

1965 - 1975: Julia Mueller
1975 - 1979: Bruce Plumb
1979 - 1986: George Taylor
1986 - present: Jonathan Bagg

;Violoncello

1965 - 1973: Luca DiCecco
1973 - 1974: Sharon Robinson
1974 - 2018: Fred Raimi
2018 - present: Caroline Stinson

Repertoire and Commissions

While the Ciompi Quartet has a solid footing in the classical and romantic quartet tradition, it is also a strong advocate for contemporary music. Over five decade they have commissioned and premiered works by many composers, especially those associated with Duke University, including Paul Schoenfield, Stephen Jaffe, Scott Lindroth, and Melinda Wagner.

Recordings

1992 - The Ciompi Quartet: Frank Bridge, Ludwig von Beethoven; Sheffield Lab
1993 - American Works for String Quartet: Aaron Copland, Robert Ward and Stephen Jaffe, Albany Records
1994 - The Ciompi Quartet plays Donald Wheelock, Albany Records
2003 - Melancholie: Paul Hindemith, Earl Kim, Arvo Pärt and Ralph Vaughan Williams, Albany Records
2006 - Live at St. Stephens: Joseph Haydn, Sergei Prokofiev and Maurice Ravel, Ciompi Release
2011 - Tales From Chelm | Memoirs: Paul Schoenfield; Milken Archive Digital
2013 - Complete Music by Heinrich Wilhelm Ernst, Volume 4; Toccata Classics
2015 - Journeys: Journey to the West by Hsu, Chiayu; Naxos
2017 - Mosaic - EP: Joel Feigin
2025 - A Duke Moment: Anthony Kelley, Stephen Jaffe and Scott Lindroth;

Legacy and Impact

The Ciompi Quartet has maintained a continuous presence at Duke University for decades, serving not just as performers but as educators and mentors. Their long-term commissioning of new works has enriched the string quartet repertoire, particularly from composers associated with Duke.
Critics often praise the ensemble for its warm, unified sound, technical excellence, and intelligent programming. Their blend of traditional and modern music, and their dedication to both performance and pedagogy, make them a significant force in American chamber music.