The Dover Quartet, one of the world’s premier string quartets and an ensemble-in-residence at the Curtis Institute of Music and Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, announced violist Julianne Lee would depart the group in June 2025.
Lee joined the Dover Quartet in September 2023 as the third violist in the ensemble’s 15-year history. She replaced Hezekiah Leung, who held the position for one year following the departure of original violist Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt. The other members of the quartet have remained unchanged since its founding.
In a post to social media, Lee cited the busy schedule and lifestyle demands of a top string quartet as the reasons for her departure:
Dear Friends,
I have some bittersweet news to share. This past year with the Dover Quartet has been a wonderful whirlwind of touring, performing, recording, and building friendships. I’ve bonded with Joel, Bryan, and Camden both musically and personally in deeply meaningful ways, and I am incredibly grateful for our time together. I will continue to tour with the Dover Quartet through June 2025. However, being part of one of the world’s most in-demand quartets requires being on the road much of the time, and I’ve realized that this schedule doesn’t align as well with my lifestyle as a position with a home orchestra does. I’ve missed the routine and musical experiences of the Boston Symphony, and I will be returning to the orchestra in July for the Tanglewood season. Until then, I’m excited for this upcoming year with my fellow Dovers. Joel, Bryan, and Camden look forward to auditioning my replacement and announcing my successor in the spring.
Thank you all for your continuous support. ❤️
Warmest,
Julianne
Lee noted she will return to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, where she served as principal second violinist and was a member of the violin section since 2006, save for a two-year term as principal second violinist of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra from 2017-2019.
Details about the search for Dover’s next violist have yet to be announced.
