The final note lingered in the air, a perfect blend of harmony and history, as the Ciompi Quartet, Duke University’s resident string quartet, brought their performance to a close at Duke Kunshan University, where the audience—students, faculty, staff, and members of the Kunshan community—sat in a moment of stunned silence before erupting into applause.
During the past week, students were immersed in “The Power of Collaboration: 1+1+1+1=∞,” a mini-term course led by the quartet, where they observed firsthand how music is more than just sound—it’s a dialogue, a negotiation, a living collaboration. Their experience culminated in this unforgettable evening, where Schubert’s poignant melodies, Beethoven’s brilliance, and contemporary works by Maximiliano Amici and Chen Yi intertwined to bridge cultures and centuries.
A musical journey in collaboration
The Ciompi Quartet has captivated audiences worldwide since its founding in 1965. Composed entirely of Duke faculty members—Eric Pritchard (violin), Hsiao-mei Ku (violin), Jonathan Bagg (viola), and Caroline Stinson (cello)—the quartet is known for its rich sound and intellectually engaging performances. Their visit to DKU was not just about performing but also about mentoring students in the art of chamber music and the power of collaboration in an intimate learning setting.
The mini-term course gave students an inside look into the dynamics of a professional chamber ensemble. Throughout the week, students observed rehearsals, analyzed the nuances of musical dialogue, and experienced the intricate give-and-take that defines chamber music.
“Before the course, I thought music was just something to enjoy passively. But now I understand how to listen and analyze it more deeply,” said Kymbat Altybays, Class of 2028. “We worked on a small final project in teams, which really helped us learn how to collaborate. That was a totally new experience for me.”
Maximiliano Amici, assistant professor of music and composition at Duke Kunshan and organizer of the course, described it as a bridge between institutions. “Certainly the idea of building bridges or keeping bridges between DKU and Duke University—it’s something that’s relevant,” he said. “But the most important thing was certainly trying to offer something special to the students.”
The concert: A fusion of traditions and styles
The March 13 concert, held at DKU’s Visitors Center, showcased a thoughtfully curated program that took the audience on a journey through time and across cultures:
- Franz Schubert’s “Quartettsatz in C Minor, D 703” (1820) — A striking yet incomplete work, filled with the lyrical depth and expressive tension characteristic of Schubert’s compositions.
- Maximiliano Amici’s “Encounters” (2024) — A contemporary piece inspired by the Chinese folk song “Lanhuahua,” blending the melodic essence of Xintianyou, a traditional folk singing style from northern China, with the depth of Western harmonic structures.
- Chen Yi’s “At the Kansas City New Year Concert” (2003) – “Blue Dragon Sword Dance” — A vibrant movement filled with percussive energy and evocative gestures mimicking traditional Chinese sword dancing.
- Ludwig van Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 9, Opus 59, No. 3 (1808) — A dynamic and intricate work that demonstrates Beethoven’s mastery of form, melody, and emotional depth.
“Maximiliano did a beautiful job taking this lovely Chinese melody and bringing it into a piece that still speaks in his own voice,” said Jonathan Bagg, violist of the Ciompi Quartet. “For us, it wasn’t a challenge—we’re used to taking interesting, unfamiliar melodies and making them our own. That’s what we love to do.”
Amici shared the inspiration behind his composition. “I searched many melodies, many songs, many words. Some of them had melodies I didn’t feel like using. Others had words I didn’t think were relevant,” he said. “Lanhuahua—the melody and lyrics worked very nicely. So I thought to use it.”
The impact: Music beyond the stage
The significance of this event extended far beyond the concert hall. For many students, this was their first encounter with live chamber music, and it reshaped their understanding of performance and collaboration.
“Watching how openly they gave and received feedback showed me what makes them so great,” said Jacob Rubanov, a pianist and Class of 2028 student. “They weren’t afraid to speak honestly in rehearsals, and that openness to critique is what really drives improvement—in music and in any team.”
Amici noted how the course wasn’t just for music majors. “They were shy at the beginning. But the course wasn’t meant for people with prior music experience,” he said. “It’s about exposure—the idea of being in front of this unknown thing and trying to make sense of it. And I hope that many of them did.”
One moment that stood out to him? “The quartet was on stage and I sat in the middle of the quartet. Just putting my head in the middle of the quartet to listen from very near. Most of the students had a chance to stay there for a couple of minutes. And this was something really fantastic.”
Amici also emphasized the deeper purpose: “When you rehearse, it’s really a team that puts together something. There’s a lot about being able to give criticism in a constructive way and take criticism and be able to continue cooperating—notwithstanding different ideas.”
“We have to agree, to some extent, on everything we do. We have to share leadership, create common goals, and be present for one another,” said Caroline Stinson, cellist of the Ciompi Quartet. “It’s maybe the most powerful metaphor for collaboration—and the things we ask of ourselves and others.”
“We have four different personalities,” said Hsiao-mei Ku, violinist of the Ciompi Quartet. “The importance is, how do you bring four different opinions together in a way that works? I think we showed the students that communication and being an active listener—these are life skills as much as musical ones.”
“It was so special to have four full days with the students in this academic setting,” said Eric Pritchard, violinist of the Ciompi Quartet. “We were able to explain who we are, what we do, and give them a real behind-the-scenes look at life as a musician. And then to present a full concert—it brought everything together.”
