Mihai Marica Joined Takács Quartet as Cellist
Cellist Mihai Marica has succeeded longtime member András Fejér, who retired after 51 years with the ensemble.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Classical
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Mihai Marica has officially joined the Takács Quartet as the group's new cellist following the retirement of founding member András Fejér. Marica recently performed his debut public concert with the quartet at Music on the Strait in Port Angeles.
Why it matters
This transition marks a historic shift for the world-renowned quartet as they replace a foundational cellist who played with the group for over five decades. Marica now inherits the Giorgio Serafin cello previously played by Fejér to continue the ensemble's legacy.
András Fejér served as the ensemble's cellist for 51 years, with his specific instrument having been in use for three decades. The group continues its season following Marica's successful audition in Boulder.
The players
Mihai Marica
He is a cellist who has officially joined the Takács Quartet after moving to the United States in 2001.
András Fejér
He is the retiring cellist who served as a member of the Takács Quartet for 51 years.
Harumi Rhodes
She is a member of the Takács Quartet who extended the audition invitation to Marica in early 2025.
Gabriela Lena Frank
She is a composer who attended the ensemble's public performance in Port Angeles during the summer of 2026.
The details
Mihai Marica, who moved to the United States in 2001, secured the position after an invitation to audition from Harumi Rhodes in early 2025. He traveled to Boulder to rehearse with the ensemble before performing Mendelssohn's op.80 and Schubert's 'Death and the Maiden' at his first public appearance.
Timeline
Mihai Marica moved to the United States in 2001.
The invitation for Marica to audition occurred in early 2025.
Gabriela Lena Frank attended the Port Angeles concert in summer 2026.
The Takács Quartet is scheduled to perform at Carnegie Hall on 16 October 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This transition marks a rare moment of change for one of the most stable and long-running ensembles in the classical music world. It reflects the broader challenge of maintaining artistic continuity when replacing a foundational performer with over five decades of history.
Fans of the quartet can expect to see Marica performing with the group during their upcoming tour dates, including the October 2026 Carnegie Hall appearance. Ticket availability for these performances remains consistent with the ensemble's standard touring schedule.
The takeaway
The appointment of a new cellist represents a significant evolution for the Takács Quartet as they blend legacy traditions with new talent. Audiences should look for upcoming performance dates to hear how the ensemble's sound adjusts to this major personnel change.
What happens next
The Takács Quartet is scheduled to perform a concert at Carnegie Hall on 16 October 2026.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by The Strad.
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