The Takács Quartet Enters a New Era
The Takács Quartet, from left: Edward Dusinberre, András Fejér, Harumi Rhodes and Richard O’Neill. Fejér will step down at the end of the 2025-26 season after a 51-year tenure.
, dubbed “the essential quartet of our time” by The New York Times, is fresh off its 50th anniversary season of international touring and critical acclaim. In December, the quartet announced the retirement of cellist András Fejér, the last remaining member of the original quartet, which was founded by four students — Gábor Takács-Nagy, Károly Schranz, Gábor Ormai and Fejér — at the Franz Liszt Academy, Budapest, in 1975.
Fejér will step down at the end of the 2025-26 season after a remarkable 51- year tenure. And the quartet’s newest member, Romanian-born cellist Mihai Marica,will join the quartet this fall. As part of the ensemble’s longstanding residency at Ҵýƽ (beginning in 1986), Marica also will join the College of Music faculty.
“We’re very grateful to András for the fulfilling and fun quartet work we’ve shared,” said Edward Dusinberre, first violinist. “We’re especially grateful for the sustained integrity of his musicianship, and for his friendship, support and humor. While cherishing András’ extraordinary legacy, we’re thrilled to welcome Mihai.
“From the very first notes we played together with Mihai, we felt an instant musical connection, and we eagerly look forward to the future.”
Fejér added, “It’s the right time — I’ve had a beautifully rewarding quality of life, working on inspiring music with wonderful colleagues who became great friends and performing all over the world for appreciative audiences. My heartfelt thanks to all our friends and supporters over the years — I’ll miss you like mad.”
The news comes among many recent accolades for the quartet, including Chamber Music America’s prestigious Richard J. Bogomolny National Service Award in recognition of the Takács Quartet’s contributions to the chamber music field.
“The quartet not only elevates the reputation of our college and university as a whole through its world-class artistry, but especially through its members’ devoted mentorship of our students and their strong spirit of community engagement,” said John Davis, dean of the College of Music. “The Takács Quartet represents the very best of what we do, and we look forward to its continued impact and influence.”
Photo by Amanda Tipton