As it approaches its 80th year, the venerable Juilliard String Quartet (JSQ) has named Juilliard alum Leonard Fu (Artist Diploma ’23) as second violinist. Fu succeeds Ronald Copes, who is stepping down from the ensemble following a 28-year tenure and will remain on the Juilliard violin faculty. Fu has been a teaching assistant at Juilliard and with this appointment joins the college faculty.
“It is such a special moment when one of our own returns to carry forward a Juilliard legacy. As a distinguished alum, Leonard Fu will bring artistic brilliance, curiosity, and a spirit of adventurous collaboration to his new role in the Juilliard String Quartet,” said Juilliard President Damian Woetzel.
“Through its artistry onstage and impact in the teaching studio, the Juilliard String Quartet has long been a leading voice in the world of chamber music. For nearly three decades, Ron Copes has brought brilliant musicianship and wise leadership to the group, and we are grateful that he will continue as a valued member of the Juilliard violin faculty,” said Juilliard Provost Adam Meyer. “As Leonard Fu steps into the role of second violin and joins the Juilliard violin faculty, his own unique artistic voice will carry forward the unmatched legacy of the quartet.”
Fu joins an ensemble—with violinist Areta Zhulla (Pre-College ’04; BM ’08, MM ’10), violist Molly Carr (BM ’09, MM ‘11), and cellist Astrid Schween (Pre-College ’80; BM ’84, MM ’85)—whose stellar reputation places it among the leading quartets worldwide. The group’s dedication, creativity, and artistry reach countless fans and music lovers around the world each year, both live and through its expansive discography. The JSQ members are also devoted teachers who lead master classes, coachings, and private instruction at Juilliard and on tour.
“The Juilliard String Quartet has profoundly shaped my musical journey—from my precollege studies in Germany with Tanja Becker-Bender (MM ’02, Artist Diploma ’04), who often spoke of her time studying with JSQ founder Robert Mann (JSQ 1946–96) and shared the quartet’s values, to learning from Ron Copes, Roger Tapping (JSQ 2013–22), and Joel Krosnick (JSQ 1974–2016) in the U.S. It’s an incredible honor to carry forward their legacy,” said Fu. “The quartet’s dedication to the full range of string repertoire deeply resonates with me, and I am truly grateful and thrilled to embark on this journey with Areta, Molly, and Astrid!”
Copes remarked, “My time in the Juilliard String Quartet has truly been the inspiration of a lifetime. Through each of the quartet’s incarnations, my colleagues have inspired me and broadened my understanding; I will always be grateful for their generosity, their passion, and their friendship. I know I share with my current colleagues the pleasure and excitement of welcoming Leonard Fu to the JSQ’s continuing adventure. Personally, I look forward to following the quartet’s activities and enjoying its further evolution.”
“As we mark the close of Ron Copes’ extraordinary 28-year tenure with the Juilliard String Quartet, we offer our deepest gratitude for his immense contributions to the JSQ and the broader world of chamber music. Ron’s intellectual rigor, passionate artistry, and unwavering devotion to mentorship have left an indelible legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. We all offer him our warmest wishes for joy and fulfillment in his next chapter,” said Zhulla, Carr, and Schween. “At the same time, we are thrilled to welcome violinist Leonard Fu. A passionate musician with an uncommonly rich understanding of the chamber music literature, Leonard brings his brilliant gift for collaboration and infectious creative energy to this new configuration of the Juilliard String Quartet. As we look ahead to the future of the JSQ, we are delighted to welcome him!”
Committed to supporting the creation of invigorating new repertoire, the JSQ has a long-standing tradition of commissioning new works by composers including Lembit Beecher, Tyson Davis (BM ’23), Mario Davidovsky, and Jörg Widmann (Advanced Certificate '95). Information regarding the quartet’s highly-anticipated 2025-26 season will be announced at a later date.
