Ariel Quartet

The Ariel Quartet poses in black clothing holding their instruments.

Faculty String Quartet-in-Residence at CCM 

The Ariel Quartet has served as the faculty string quartet-in-residence at CCM since 2012.

The ensemble—Alexandra Kazovsky and Gershon Gerchikov (violins), Jan Grüning (viola), and Amit Even-Tov (cello)—integrates performance, teaching and mentorship into the heart of CCM’s chamber music program. They coach student ensembles at all levels, lead master classes, and present an on-campus concert series that models professional rehearsal techniques, thoughtful programming and artistic collaboration.

Teaching and Mentorship at CCM

At CCM, the Ariel Quartet offers hands-on, ensemble-driven instruction. Students work directly with the Quartet in weekly coachings and studio classes, receiving focused guidance on score study, rehearsal strategies and artistic decision-making. Through Ariel-led master classes, students also engage with distinguished guest artists. The Quartet’s on-campus performances and Chamber Music Seminar give students an inside look at a professional ensemble’s preparation and interpretive process. One-on-one mentorship supports emerging artists as they plan recitals, auditions, competitions and early-career projects.

Graduate String Quartet Program

​CCM has recently reinstated a Graduate String Quartet Program in partnership with the Ariel Quartet. Designed for pre-formed quartets working towards a professional chamber music career, this rigorous two-year program is centered on intensive coachings with Ariel members, integration into CCM’s chamber-music curriculum, shared performance and outreach opportunities, and professional development that bridges conservatory study and a sustainable quartet career. The program offers flexibility within academic classwork and scheduling to allow the students to pursue concertizing while studying at CCM.

​The structure and aims align with leading residency models nationally, adapted to CCM’s resources and Ariel’s mentoring approach. Participating ensembles have been exceptionally successful, winning top-tier competitions such as the Banff International String Quartet Competition, the Concert Artists Guild Competition and the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition.

The Ensemble

Formed in Jerusalem in 1998, the Ariel Quartet has earned international acclaim for its virtuosity, cohesion and passionate performances. Alongside a busy touring schedule, the Quartet is recording a complete Beethoven cycle with Orchid Classics. This deep engagement with the repertoire directly informs their teaching at CCM, enriching students’ understanding of style, interpretation and artistic depth.

Learn more about the Ariel Quartet View the Ariel Quartet's concert schedule at CCM

Ariel Quartet Members

Headshot of Amit Even-Tov

Amit Even-Tov, 

Associate Professor of Violoncello and Chamber Music, Ariel Quartet member

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Headshot of Gershon Gerchikov

Gershon Gerchikov, 

Associate Professor of Violin and Chamber Music, Ariel Quartet member

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Headshot of Jan Grüning

Jan Grüning, 

Associate Professor of Viola and Chamber Music, Ariel Quartet member

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Headshot of Alexandra "Sasha" Kazovsky

Alexandra "Sasha" Kazovsky, 

Associate Professor of Violin and Chamber Music, Ariel Quartet member

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News and Events

1

New York Times article on notation in classical music features CCM faculty

August 20, 2025

At UC's College-Conservatory of Music, tomorrow’s arts luminaries work with today’s industry leaders. CCM is home to an international faculty of dedicated educators who are also celebrated performers and arts professionals in their own right. The New York Times recently turned to one of CCM's performing arts experts to weigh in on the topic of what musicologists call "paratext:" words—or even illustrations—that composers sometimes leave alongside their musical notation, which musicians then need to interpret as they try to bring a composer's idea to life.

3

Album by CCM faculty featured in the New York Times

April 25, 2025

Four CCM faculty members were recently highlighted in a New York Times roundup of notable new classical music albums. Entitled "5 Classical Music Albums You Can Listen to Right Now," the article spotlights the new album of Beethoven's string quartets performed by the Ariel Quartet, which has served as CCM's string quartet-in-residence since 2012. The ensemble is comprised of four CCM faculty members: Alexandra “Sasha” Kazovsky, violin; Amit Even-Tov, cello; Gershon Gerchikov, violin; and Jan Grüning, viola.

4

Renowned pianist Orion Weiss joins Ariel Quartet in March 25 concert

Event: March 25, 2025 7:30 PM

The Ariel Quartet, CCM's String Quartet-in-Residence, concludes its 2024-25 season with a program featuring music by Beethoven and Hungarian composer Ernő Dohnányi. Joined by pianist Orion Weiss, the concert takes place Tuesday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Robert J. Werner Recital Hall. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

5

Ariel Quartet opens CCM's 2025 ticketed performance series on Jan. 28

Event: January 28, 2025 7:30 PM

CCM's string quartet in residence, the Ariel Quartet, opens the college's 2025 ticketed performance series at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, in Robert J. Werner Recital Hall. Titled "Europe: From 1903 to 1945" the concert features works by Erwin Schulhoff, Benjamin Britten and Maurice Ravel. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

7

Ariel Quartet opens performance series at CCM on Sept. 17

Event: September 17, 2024 7:30 PM

The Ariel Quartet opens its fall 2024 concert series at UC's College-Conservatory of Music at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Robert J. Werner Recital Hall. Featuring guest artist Paul Watkins, cello, the performance features chamber works by Felix Mendelssohn, Matan Porat and Franz Schubert.

9

Ariel Quartet welcomes Pavel Vinnitsky in "Best of Brahms" concert on March 26

March 22, 2024

The Ariel Quartet presents its final CCM concert of the 2023-24 season at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26 in Robert J. Werner Recital Hall. The program includes two of the most beloved works in the chamber music canon: Beethoven’s intense Op. 59 No. 1 and Brahms’ Clarinet Quintet in B Minor, featuring faculty artist Pavel Vinnitsky. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

10

Ariel Quartet collaborates with two guest artists in February 13 concert

February 6, 2024

The Ariel Quartet returns to the stage 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13 in Robert J. Werner Recital Hall at CCM. Titled “Cetera Desunt: The rest is missing,” the program features the eponymous string quartet by Lera Auerbach, as well as the composer’s string quartet No. 10, “Frozen Dreams” and Schubert’s beloved “Trout” Quintet. Tickets are on sale through the CCM Box Office.

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