Meet the ECSQ

Established in 2019, the Elm City String Quartet was brought together by their passion for chamber music and a desire to share their love of quartet repertoire with their home town of Fredericton. With Victor Vivas and Mercedes Salazar on violin, Mark Kleyn on viola, and Emily Kennedy on cello, the ECSQ’s exciting and broad programming pairs works by today’s composers alongside celebrated quartet classics. Their first performance was a memorable evening in a small art gallery that was so packed, there were children sitting on the floor between their music stands. Since then, the quartet has been captivating New Brunswick communities with their broad programming and charismatic playing. 

Named after Fredericton’s long-standing moniker, the individuals in the Elm City String Quartet come from a variety of musical backgrounds. Some perform in indie bands and compose multimedia works; some are renowned international pedagogues; but all are passionate chamber music players, Sistema NB Teaching Artists, and are active teachers in their community. The quartet, being a versatile group, has performed in art galleries, churches, and even small house concerts.