NEC Honors Ensemble Quartet Luminera Wins Second Prize in 2023 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition
Competing against dozens of ensembles from all over the world, NEC Honors Ensemble Quartet Luminera (violinists Masha Lakisova '24 and Kristy Chen '24, violist Njord Fossnes '24, and cellist Davis You '24) took the Silver Medal during the 2023 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition—the nation's largest and longest running chamber music competition. Quartet Luminera, mentored by NEC faculty member Mai Motobuchi, have received $4,000 for their win. Since its founding, more than 7,800 musicians have competed, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in music performance and education, including Indiana native and three-time Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell, the genre-defying contemporary ensemble Eighth Blackbird, and the Pacifica Quartet, 2020 Grammy Award Winner for Best Chamber Music Performance.
About Quartet Luminera
Quartet Luminera comprises violinists Masha Lakisova '24 and Kristy Chen '24, violist Njord Fossnes '24, and cellist Davis You '24.
With a vision to bring light, beauty and truth into a new era, Quartet Luminera strives to continuously challenge the limits of string quartet playing. Recently awarded the Honors Ensemble distinction at the New England Conservatory and the Borromeo String Quartet Guest Artist Award, the quartet has found themselves in constant demand both as a performing ensemble and as individual chamber artists. Founded in 2021, the quartet is coached by Mai Motobuchi and is deeply grateful for her mentorship along with the support of the entire Borromeo Quartet. Quartet Luminera has had the privilege of collaborating with renowned artists such as Miriam Fried, Paul Biss, Jonathan Swensen, Julian Rhee, and the Borromeo Quartet. Past engagements include Jordan Hall performances as part of the 2022 NEC Chamber Gala and the 2021 Borromeo Beethoven Seminar, where they performed Beethoven’s String Quartet Opus 130 with the Grosse Fuge
About the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition
The Fischoff distinguishes itself from all other music competitions by remaining true to its core mission: to encourage and educate young musicians in the discipline and expression of chamber music. Committed to music education, Fischoff partners with its distinguished Competition alumni to deliver free, innovative music programs to Michiana’s children and youth. Programs are presented in schools, community centers, and after school programs. Through these programs, Fischoff has served over 93,500 youth in the tri-state region since 1995; and on an annual basis, reaches more than 4,000 students, many of whom are at under-resourced and Title 1 schools within our community. Fischoff’s programs give local students first-hand, close-up, personal experiences with some of the finest chamber musicians in the world.