Bartok String Quartet No. 4 - I. Allegro

Hailing from Prince Edward Island, California, Pennsylvania, and Taiwan, the Ulysses Quartet brings passion and precision to its endeavors.  Violinists Christina Bouey, Rhiannon Banderdt, violist Colin Brookes, and cellist Grace Mei-En Ho founded the group in the spring of 2015.  They have performed in top halls in Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and across the world from Taipei to Vienna. Members perform on instruments and bows graciously on loan from the Canada Council of the Arts Instrument Bank and the Maestro Foundation.

The name ‘Ulysses’ pays homage to Homer’s hero Odysseus as its Latin equivalent, along with the 18th president of the United States of America, Ulysses S. Grant.  Homer’s Ulysses is known for his cunningness and versatility.  Additionally, Grant was admired as a General and for fighting for civil and voting rights.  The quartet’s base in Washington Heights lies in close proximity to the resting place of the late President.

Christina, Rhiannon, and Colin met at Kneisel Hall School of Music in Blue Hill, Maine. A desire to continue playing together led to the founding of the quartet as their paths converged with Grace’s in New York City.  Along with active chamber music careers, Ulysses members hold principal positions with groups such as the Cape Symphony, Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, A Far Cry Chamber Orchestra, Shattered Glass, International Chamber Players, and in Broadway Orchestras.  They received degrees from prestigious schools including the Juilliard School, New England Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, and Yale University.  Members of the Ulysses Quartet are working towards their Doctorate of Musical Arts Degree at Stony Brook University, the City University of New York and Manhattan School of Music.  

The Ulysses Quartet believes intensely in the power of music to inspire, empower, enlighten, and bring people together.  The quartet is committed in sharing this passion by increasing access and appreciation for classical music and enhancing audience engagement.  To this end, the quartet offers interactive, age-appropriate programs and workshops for children and adults that demystify traditional repertoire and introduce new and exciting works.  Programs demonstrate musical concepts and processes, invite participants to learn about the inner workings of the string quartet, and explore connections that music can make with our world today and the rich history that created it.