About

The Marian String Quartet, formed in 2021, comprises violinists Sahana Shravan and Emma Richman, violist Cameren Anai Williams, and cellist Wangshu Xiang. Formed at The Juilliard School, the Marian Quartet was one of two quartets to be accepted into the school’s distinguished Honors Chamber Music Program this October. The quartet is mentored by the Juilliard String Quartet—most notably Areta Zhulla and Roger Tapping—and their principal coaches include Natasha Brofsky and Joseph Lin. The Marian Quartet has performed at Juilliard as a part of honors chamber music recitals and ChamberFest 2022, and around New York City at the Tenri Cultural Center for Music for Food, the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, and at Alice Tully Hall for their recital debut. In April 2022, the group was honored to receive first Gold Prize at the 17th annual St. Paul String Quartet Competition in Minnesota, judged by the acclaimed Catalyst Quartet.

Music

The quartet chose their name in honor of renowned African American contralto Marian Anderson. Anderson was regarded as one of the finest voices of her time—overcoming countless instances of racial discrimination, she carved her place on some of the most renowned stages in the world and established herself as an iconic voice in the Civil Rights Movement. The Marian Quartet admires and honors her artistic versatility—from operatic standards to African American spirituals—her perseverance in the face of hardship, and hope to continue her legacy and use their voice for good.

The Marian String Quartet is proud to be an all-woman string quartet. We are eager to explore a wide range of composers who embody unique artistic experiences across time, gender, geography, and genre.