Isidore Quartet Appointed New Cellist Clara Abel
The ensemble has named Juilliard graduate Clara Abel as its new cellist following the departure of founding member Joshua McClendon.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Classical
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The Isidore Quartet has officially welcomed cellist Clara Abel to its ranks. She succeeds founding cellist Joshua McClendon, who departed the acclaimed ensemble in September 2026.
Why it matters
The change marks a significant transition for the award-winning quartet as it looks to maintain the momentum built since its formation at The Juilliard School. It allows the group to continue its professional trajectory following the departure of a founding member.
The quartet achieved a major milestone by winning the 2021 Banff International String Quartet Competition. In 2023, the group received an Avery Fisher Career Grant, cementing its status as a prominent young ensemble.
The players
Clara Abel
She is a cellist and graduate of The Juilliard School who previously held a Beebe Fellowship in Paris.
Joshua McClendon
He is the founding cellist of the Isidore Quartet who left the ensemble in September 2026 to pursue a new career path.
Isidore Quartet
This musical ensemble was formed at The Juilliard School in 2019 and has since gained international recognition.
The details
Clara Abel, a graduate of The Juilliard School, joins violinists Adrian Steele and Phoenix Avalon as well as violist Devin Moore. Her appointment follows a period where she lived in Paris as the recipient of a Beebe Fellowship.
Timeline
The Isidore Quartet was established in 2019.
The ensemble won the Banff International competition in 2021.
The quartet received an Avery Fisher Career Grant in 2023.
Clara Abel lived in Paris between 2025 and 2026.
Joshua McClendon left the ensemble in September 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The transition within the Isidore Quartet reflects the common evolution of professional chamber music ensembles as they navigate personnel changes following early-career successes. This shift allows the group to adapt its chemistry while maintaining the high standards set by its competitive history.
Fans of the quartet can expect to see Clara Abel in upcoming performances as the ensemble resumes its concert schedule. Listeners should monitor the official social media channels of the quartet for announcements regarding new tour dates or programs featuring the updated lineup.
The takeaway
Personnel changes are a natural part of the lifecycle for elite chamber ensembles aiming for long-term sustainability. The group will now focus on integrating their new cellist to prepare for future performances and upcoming artistic commitments.
Further reading
For more on the current landscape of professional chamber music, visit the Classical section.
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