Markus Placci, violin, has given recitals and solo appearances with prominent orchestras across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. He was the winner of several international prizes like the Brahms Preis Germany and Tanglewood Reiner Violin Prize, and has been featured on BBC Radio, in world premieres, and in chamber collaborations with Gil Shaham and Yo-Yo Ma. He has been awarded Boston Conservatory’s Outstanding Faculty of the Year and the American String Teachers Association’s Best Teacher in 2016.
Judith Eissenberg, violin, is a founding member of the Naumburg Award-winning Lydian String Quartet, “among the world’s best quartets” (Chicago Sun-Times). Top prize-winners in international competitions, the quartet premieres, records, and commissions new works. Eissenberg collaborates across tradition—working with film, theater, dance, electronics, and video—and has period instrument performance expertise. In addition to teaching at the Conservatory, she is professor emeritus at Brandeis University.
Paul Laraia, viola, was first prize-winner of the Tertis International Viola Competition and the Sphinx Competition. He is the violist of the Grammy-winning Catalyst Quartet, and has been a soloist with the major orchestras of Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Bogotá, New Jersey, Nashville, New Haven, St. Paul, and Cincinnati. Laraia studies with Kim Kashkashian at New England Conservatory.
Rhonda Rider, cello, was a member of the Naumburg Award-winning Lydian Quartet and Triple Helix Piano Trio for over two decades. She has adjudicated at Fischoff, Stulberg, and Concert Artist Guild Competitions. Numerous works were written for her by composers including Raven Chacon, John Harbison, and Lee Hyla. Twice awarded Outstanding Faculty of the Year, Rider teaches fabulously creative Boston Conservatory students.
