The Antarja Quartet: A Musical, Communicational, and Innovative Journey

Stories | April 8, 2025

In a world in which classical music is understood as an elitist tradition, the Antarja Quartet is breaking new ground with their experimental approach. Merging musical craftsmanship with deep communication, the quartet is exploring new realms to engage their audience in the process of creation. Here’s a look at their history, their future endeavors, and the learning that came from their recent residency.

The Story Behind the Name

Each ensemble has a tale, and the name of the Antarja Quartet is no different. The group was once named Amber Quartet, and they wanted to change the name to something that would reference their Polish heritage. “Amber” in Polish is “Jantar,” and as the quartet developed and matured, they changed their name to demonstrate the new direction they were heading in. In a twist of ingenuity, the ensemble rebranded themselves by forming an anagram of “Jantar,” adding an extra “A” to form “Antarja.” The name signifies their journey of rebirth and the new vision they introduce to classical music performance.

Photo Source: Antarja Quartet, Merita Project

Building Deep Connections Through Music

One of the key takeaways that was hammered home during the Antarja Quartet’s recent residency was the importance of the members’ relationship. “This aura of kindness, politeness, and understanding is something we have now in abundance,” Maria, the violinist, said. The quartet members discussed how this deep connection did not just make their personal relationships stronger but also made their musical performances more meaningful. The ensemble now communicates more authentically to each other and, by extension, to their audience.

This group harmony is new and is at the forefront of their music. It allows them to give a more genuine and emotional performance, one that they believe is conveyed to the listener. As Magdalena, the violist, explains, the residency allowed them to listen more intently to each other, something that has transferred into more musical and personal communication.

A Transformative Residency Experience

The quartet approached their residency with a positive attitude and no expectations, but it ended up being a life-altering experience. “We learned so much about listening, communication, and how to make pauses and give space – not just in music, but in our personal lives as well,” said Magdalena. They discovered that they could play better through better listening, and those lessons extended well beyond the concert hall.

Their time of residence also allowed them to work on their emotional connection. “We are far more interested in the community than in being a group of individuals,” said Barbara, the second violinist. This shift in attitude benefited them not just as musicians but also as people, giving them a feeling of unity in the quartet.

Innovative Projects: Merging Music and Art

A highlight of the Antarja Quartet’s residency was developing their innovative project, which aims to unite music and visual arts. The concept is simple but radical: the audience is invited to draw or paint during the performance, inspired by the emotions stirred up by the quartet as they perform.

“The idea is to break down the wall between the audience and the musicians,” Barbara said. “We want the audience to be active participants, not passive listeners.” This energy creates a unique, interactive experience that adds a new dimension to the performance.

After the performance, the quartet will improvise based on the artwork created by the audience, making each performance truly one of a kind. The quartet is very excited about this new concept, as it allows them to connect with their audience on a higher level.

Looking Ahead: An Exciting Future

The Antarja Quartet is eagerly anticipating its future projects, especially its pioneering audience-participation program. The Antarja Quartet is keen on continuing to experiment with new ways of interacting with its audiences and enhancing the classical music experience. With its new model, it aims to introduce classical music to a larger audience, make it more participatory, and more emotionally meaningful.

The Antarja Quartet’s journey shows that classical music can evolve while staying close to its roots. By combining tradition and innovation, they are not only reviving the classical music scene but also leading it to new heights. Through their developing connection, innovative projects, and commitment to exchange, the Antarja Quartet is navigating toward a new kind of musical experience – one that is interactive, collaborative, and intensely affecting.