January 8, 2025

ARGUS QUARTET WELCOMES TWO NEW MEMBERS

NEW YORK, NY – The Argus Quartet is thrilled to welcome two new members, violinist Sam Parrini and cellist Drake Driscoll, to the ensemble, following the departure of cellist Mariel Roberts and founding violinist Clara Kim.

Violist Maren Rothfritz says, “We are so excited to welcome Sam and Drake to the Argus Quartet. They are both incredible musicians and people, and we feel they embody the spirit of Argus and our mission of exploring a wide-ranging repertoire, bringing brand new works to life, and connecting with communities through performing, education, and commissioning. This is an exciting new evolution of Argus and I’m excited for what we will create together.”

Driscoll, a versatile performer and advocate for social change through music, is also the co-founder and Executive Director of The VISION Collective, an ensemble dedicated to building meaningful relationships with and among refugees and new Americans by sharing music between diverse communities. “I’m beyond excited to join forces with Giancarlo, Maren, and Sam in this new chapter for the Argus Quartet,” Driscoll says. “From our first experiences working together, I felt an immediate sense of connection and a shared commitment to musical exploration, risk-taking, and creating personal, impactful programs. I’m particularly inspired by the Quartet’s dedication to education and community engagement, and I can’t wait to contribute to these efforts.”

Parrini, a recent graduate of the Juilliard School, has performed as soloist with the McGill Symphony Orchestra, the Beaufort Symphony, and the Clemson Symphony Orchestra, and is currently a teaching artist for the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, where Driscoll also teaches. “Ever since I joined the chamber music program in my high school, I knew I’d end up chasing a life full of making music with others,” Parrini says. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to join the talented and dedicated artists of the Argus Quartet and I look forward to our journey together.”

“We want to express our deep gratitude to Mariel for her artistic contributions to the group, and especially to Clara for her tireless commitment to Argus from its founding in 2013,” says violinist Giancarlo Latta. “We thank both Mariel and Clara for many treasured musical moments that will continue to inspire us in the ensemble’s next chapter.”

“It has been an incredible honor and privilege to be a founding member of the Argus Quartet for the last ten years,” says Kim. I am deeply proud of the projects we created and the music we have shared together, and I’m grateful for the musical family I’ve been a part of. I’m thrilled to see Argus continue its journey with two amazing new members, Drake and Sam – I know the quartet will continue to push boundaries and dream big dreams, and I send my love and full support their way.” Roberts says, “It was a privilege to play with the musicians of Argus – their artistry, creativity, and enthusiasm touch everyone that gets to hear and work with them.”

The Argus Quartet was formed in Los Angeles in 2013. Hailed as a “vivacious foursome” that “plays canonical standards with authority and verve and approaches modern music with care and assurance” (The New Yorker), the Quartet won First Prize at both the M-Prize Chamber Arts Competition and the Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition. Highlights of the Argus Quartet’s recent seasons include performances at Carnegie Hall, the University of Denver, and ArtPower at UC San Diego; educational residencies at the Virginia Arts Festival and Temple University; and premieres of newly commissioned works by Joseph Bohigian, Leilehua Lanzilotti, and Jessica Meyer. For more information, please visit www.ArgusQuartet.com.

# # #