The internationally esteemed Jupiter String Quartet, a uniquely intimate ensemble built around family bonds, will present two distinctive programs at the 2026 Bowdoin International Music Festival this summer on July 20 and Aug. 3. The first performance brings the Illinois-based ensemble together with their longtime friends and colleagues, the Ying Quartet (Robin Scott, Janet Ying, violin; Phillip Ying, viola; David Ying, cello) and the second features the bond-driven artistry of the Jupiters on their own. Both concerts take place at Studzinski Recital Hall, 12 Campus Road South, Brunswick.

Based at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and giving concerts all over the country, the Jupiter String Quartet is a particularly intimate group, consisting of violinists Mélanie Clapiès and Meg Freivogel, violist Liz Freivogel (Meg’s older sister), and cellist Daniel McDonough (Meg’s husband, Liz’s brother-in-law). While the Jupiter String Quartet are beloved, frequent guests at Bowdoin, this year is particularly special, as it marks their first visit with new violinist Mélanie Clapiès.

The Jupiter String Quartet continues to be a beloved presence at the Bowdoin International Music Festival, where their collaborative spirit aligns perfectly with the Festival's mission of bringing together exceptional musicians from around the world. Their partnership with the Ying Quartet has been a part of their performances over several seasons, creating the kind of musical friendships that produce memorable performances.

July 20 - 7:30 p.m.: The Jupiter String Quartet comes together on stage with longtime friends and collaborators, the Ying Quartet, for a performance highlighting the groups’ unique group chemistries in two works that embrace dynamic and deeply expressive melodies and harmonies. The concert will include: "String Sextet in B-flat Major, Op. 18" by Johannes Brahms, performed by the Jupiter String Quartet with violist Phillip Ying and cellist David Ying; and "Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20" by Felix Mendelssohn, performed by the Ying Quartet and Jupiter String Quartet. Tickets are sold out but the free livestream is available at www.bowdoinfestival.org/festivalive.

Aug. 3 - 7:30 pm: The Jupiter String Quartet’s vibrant artistic connections shine in a colorful program inspired by nature and culture featuring Franz Joseph Haydn’s "String Quartet in C Major, Op. 33 No. 3;"  “The Bird,” Cançoes da America by Clarice Assad, and "String Quartet No. 2 in A minor, Op. 51" by Johannes Brahms. Tickets and information with the free livestream are available here: https://www.bowdoinfestival.org/event/jupiter-string-quartet-2026/

Since forming in 2001, the Jupiter String Quartet has turned their unique family dynamic into a musical strength. The quartet chose its name because Jupiter was the most prominent planet in the night sky at the time of its formation and the astrological symbol for Jupiter resembles the number four. 

The personal connections that bind them – sisters who grew up making music together, a marriage that deepened musical partnership – create an intuitive ensemble communication that audiences consistently notice. Their performances exude an energy that feels friendly, knowledgeable, and adventurous, bringing their close-knit musical relationships to the stage.

The Jupiter Quartet has performed in some of the world’s finest halls, including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, London’s Wigmore Hall, Boston’s Jordan Hall, Mexico City's Palacio de Bellas Artes, Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center and Library of Congress to Austria’s Esterhazy Palace, and Seoul’s Sejong Chamber Hall.

In addition to their performing career, they have been artists-in-residence at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign since 2012, where they maintain private studios and direct the chamber music program.  

Their chamber music honors and awards include the grand prizes in the Banff International String Quartet Competition and the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition; the Young Concert Artists International auditions in New York City; the Cleveland Quartet Award from Chamber Music America. From 2007-2010, they were in residence at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Chamber Music Two.   

Lean more about the Jupiter String Quartet: https://www.jupiterquartet.com/  And about the Bowdoin International Music Festival at bowdoinfestival.org.