The Woodward String Quartet, featuring principal musicians from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, or DSO, will take the stage at Michigan State University for a compelling evening of chamber music on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. in Fairchild Theatre. Part of the MSU Federal Credit Union Showcase Series, this concert highlights the strong connection between MSU’s College of Music and the DSO.
The quartet — comprised of nationally and internationally recognized soloists Robyn Bollinger (violin), Kimberly Kaloyanides-Kennedy (violin), Wei Yu (cello) and Eric Nowlin (viola) — brings together some of the finest musicians in the field. Notably, Eric Nowlin, College of Music assistant professor of viola and DSO principal violist, leads the ensemble, further strengthening the collaboration between the two institutions.
The evening’s program will feature Haydn’s radiant “Sunrise” String Quartet No. 4, MSU composer Zhou Tian’s evocative String Quartet No. 1, and Mendelssohn’s exhilarating Octet for Strings, with MSU student chamber musicians joining the quartet for the final piece.
“Artistry in chamber music is all about connection — between musicians, the music and the audience,” said Eric Nowlin. “Our concert and residency at MSU allow us to share that experience not only through performance but also by collaborating with students, making music together in a truly vibrant and inspiring way.”
This concert also highlights the deep ties between MSU faculty and the DSO, including Kevin Brown (principal bass and MSU assistant professor of double bass), Mike Chen (violist and MSU assistant professor of viola), and Kenneth Thompkins (retired principal trombone and current MSU associate professor of trombone — a connection explored in the article “A Symphony of Green and White,” which celebrates the ongoing collaboration between the two institutions.
The quartet’s visit is part of a residency coordinated by Nowlin, which includes masterclasses, and engaging discussions with students from the College of Music. Open to the public, the group will perform works by MSU student composers during a composition reading on Friday, March 14, at 5:30 p.m. in Cook Recital Hall — a unique opportunity for students to hear their music come to life through a world-class ensemble.
The Woodward String Quartet concert is generously sponsored by Robert W. Uphaus and Lois M. Rosen, part of the Showcase Series, underwritten by the MSU Federal Credit Union.
All Showcase Series concerts are reserved seating. Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors (age 60 and older) and $7 for students. Information on these and other concerts, as well as ticket links can be found on the MSU College of Music website.