András Fejér will be replaced by Mihai Marica, who will take up the role beginning 1 September 2026
The Takács Quartet, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, has announced the retirement of cellist András Fejér, the last remaining member of the original group, founded in 1975.
Fejér will step down at the end of the 2025-26 season, after a 51-year tenure. He will be replaced by Romanian-born cellist, Mihai Marica, who will join current quartet members violinists Edward Dusinberre and Harumi Rhodes, and violist Richard O’Neill from 1 September 2026.
Marica will also join the faculty of the University of Colorado, Boulder, as part of the ensemble’s long-standing residency there.
Marica won first prize at the Dr. Luis Sigall International Competition in Viña del Mar, Chile, and the Irving M. Klein International Competition, and is a recipient of Charlotte White’s Salon de Virtuosi Fellowship Grant.
As a chamber musician, he was a member of the Amphion Quartet and the Apollo Trio. He has performed at the Chamber Music Northwest, Norfolk, and Aspen music festivals, collaborating with artists including Ani Kavafian, Ida Kavafian, David Shifrin, André Watts, and Edgar Meyer.
He is an alumnus of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Bowers Program for extraordinary early-career artists, and continues to perform on the CMS roster.
The current members of the Takács Quartet acknowledged Fejér’s service to the group: ’We are so very grateful to András for the fulfilling and fun quartet work we’ve been lucky enough to share,’ said Dusinberre, Rhodes, and O’Neill, adding, ’for the strength and integrity of his cello playing and musicianship sustained over more than five decades, for his friendship, support and humour.
’While cherishing András’s extraordinary legacy, we are thrilled to welcome Mihai as our new cellist. From the very first notes we played together with Mihai, we felt an instant musical connection, and we eagerly look forward to the future.’
Marica commented on his appointment: ’I am profoundly honoured and humbled to be joining the Takács Quartet, he said. ’I have been deeply inspired by the quartet’s recordings and performances over the years; joining the group is truly a dream come true.
’As an ardent admirer of András Fejér’s musicianship, it has been a joy already to spend some time with him. I eagerly look forward to joining Ed, Harumi, and Richard in continuing the Takács’ time-honoured tradition and exploring new paths ahead.’
Fejér said, ’After 51 years this feels like it’s the right time – I’ve had a beautifully rewarding quality of life; working endlessly on the most inspiring music, with wonderful colleagues who became great friends, seeing the world and performing all over for appreciative audiences who always kept us honest.
’Heartfelt thanks to all the friends, supporters and presenters over the years – I’ll miss you like mad but I’m excited for the quartet’s future with Mihai. The pleasure has truly been mine!’
The first Takács season with Marica (2026-27) will include a focus on the music of Gabriela Lena Frank and a North American tour with Jeremy Denk, performing César Franck’s Piano Quintet.
The Takács will also appear next season at Carnegie Hall and the Chamber Music Society Lincoln Center. As associate artists at Wigmore Hall, the quartet will perform four concerts, to include works by Schubert, Carlos Simon, Brahms and Haydn.
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