The Emerson String Quartet stands apart in the history of string quartets with an unparalleled list of achievements over three decades: more than thirty acclaimed recordings, nine Grammy's® (including two for Best Classical Album), three Gramophone Awards, the Avery Fisher Prize, Musical America's "Ensemble of the Year", and collaborations with many of the greatest artists of our time.
In its first member change since 1979, the Emerson Quartet welcomed Paul Watkins as its cellist on May 11, 2013. Mr. Watkins, a distinguished soloist, award-winning conductor, and dedicated chamber musician, joined the ensemble for their 37th season, performing with his new colleagues extensively throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As an exclusive artist for Sony Classical, the Emerson has a new release slated for Spring 2013 with future recordings planned to include Mr. Watkins.
Formed in 1976 and based in New York City, the ensemble took its name from the American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson. The Emerson String Quarter is Quarter-in-Residence at Stony Brook University, and continues its series at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. for its 34th season.