CONCERTS INTERNATIONAL
Memphis
Renaissance Quartet
&
Pianist Zhu Wang
with Alvie Givhan, piano​
​Thursday, December 11, 2025
7:00 PM Harris Concert Hall
Repertoire
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Billy Childs, String Quartet No. 3 (“Unrequited”)
-Intermission-
Beethoven, String Quartet No. 12 in E-Flat Major, Op. 127
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About the Musicians
MEET THE RENAISSANCE QUARTET
The Renaissance String Quartet is driven by a desire to reimagine the role and capacity of the string quartet as a vehicle for change, inspiring audiences, students, and collaborators around the world.
Founded in 2021 by violinists Randall Goosby and Jeremiah Blacklow, violist Jameel Martin, and cellist Daniel Hass, the New York City based quartet was formed on the basis of over a decade of friendship at The Perlman Music Program and The Juilliard School.
The quartet feels a responsibility to command a diverse repertoire of classic, underrepresented, and new works, so they can contribute to the reclamation, redefinition, and continuation of a musical tradition that belongs to all of us. They represent and articulate an inclusive vision of the future of classical music, which sees a culture of music wherein all lives and histories are welcomed and celebrated.
In their 2023-24 season, the quartet made their UK and European debuts at Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, Muziekhaven in Amsterdam, and on the popular Dutch TV program, Podium Klassiek. They also led masterclasses and educational residencies at London’s Southbank Centre, Greenwood Music Camp, and the Perlman Music Program Suncoast.
Highlights of the 2024-25 season include a lecture-recital at the Institute for Advanced Studies at Princeton, recitals at Marlboro Music Festival, Princeton’s McCarter Theatre, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, and an original collaboration with the Perlman Music Program Suncoast and the West Coast Black Theater Troupe in Sarasota, Florida. The quartet will also return to Kingston, Jamaica for the second installment of their “Beyond Boundaries” benefit recitals at the University of the West Indies.
As recipients of a 2024 career grant from Salon de Virtuosi, the quartet is featured on WQXR, New York City’s premier classical music radio station.
The members of the quartet collaborate on more than just chamber music. Daniel and Jameel often work together as a composer/librettist duo. Randall and Jameel presented a cross-disciplinary recital program of poetry and music, entitled “Intersections: Black Music and Words.” Randall and Jeremiah have competed together in various golf tournaments, impressively securing podium finishes.
ZHU WANG , PIANIST
Artistic Statement
I started my musical journey at the age of five. My grandfather was a self-taught, passionate musician who was my first inspiration when I started learning piano. I remember he always said: “In order to have your music move other people, you first have to make it very beautiful.” I had always remembered that saying from him, and I always see myself connected to the thoughtful and sensitive aspect of music-making and I truly believe in the impact of genuine feelings that are communicated to audiences. ​
​​​​​​​​​​​For that purpose, I have been trying to implement that sense of sincerity in everything I do, whether it is a solo recital, concerto with orchestra, chamber music, community outreach or collaboration with composers. In fact, the things I learnt the most are from the collaborations with friends and colleagues. I will never forget the days when I was immersed in the beauty and tragedy of the Schubert E-flat Major Piano trio at Kneisel Hall. And that experience truly helped me realize the musician I aspire to be.
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Recently, I gave a masterclass for Bucknell University students, and I was trying to inspire the students on how to bring the music alive through listening, analyzing the music and trying to understand the emotions and characters behind each piece. That sense of sharing and being able to inspire others makes me feel fulfilled artistically.
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To finish up, I believe art is a process, not a product. I will continue my journey in music with passion and dedication. I am really excited about my first solo album with Steinway and Sons label which is set to release in 2026, my continuous collaboration with Randall, and with my wife Chloe to open a high quality, dedicated teaching studio in our local community in Queens. Along the way, I will always stay true for my artistic vision.