Cleveland O Taps Concertmaster

Joel Link, first violinist of the Dover Quartet, will add the Cleveland Orchestra to his professional exploits, becoming the orchestra’s concertmaster as of July 3, 2025. He succeeds David Radzynski, who left in March 2024 (a joint decision with the orchestra), after 14 months in the job.  

Link said he was “absolutely thrilled to be joining the Cleveland Orchestra as concertmaster.” But he also made it clear that he would continue with the Dover Quartet, in residence of the Curtis Institute of Music, site of its initial formation in 2008.

“At the same time," he continued, "I’m deeply grateful to continue my work with the Dover Quartet, which has been essential to my growth as an artist.”

In a statement issued concurrently with Cleveland’s press release, the Quartet noted that, in addition to Link’s news, its current violist, Julianne Lee, would be returning to the Boston Symphony as assistant principal second violin.

“With these changes, we've had a chance to think about the quartet's future and reflect on our very special personal and artistic bond. The truth is, we can't imagine not making music together. Today, we are overjoyed to announce that we are staying together in our current configuration: Joel, Bryan [Lee], Julianne, and Camden [Shaw]!

“We’re committed to playing chamber music at the highest level, without compromise. We’re committed to sustaining the passion, vibrancy, excitement, and (we hope!) musical excellence we share with you every time we take the stage. We will focus our performances in tour periods that allow us to balance our individual pursuits, while continuing to perform as the Dover Quartet at the highest artistic level.

“We’re proud to have undergone this period of introspection and emerged with an even deeper appreciation for the magic we create together.”

The quartet has won numerous competitions including the Johansen International Competition, Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition, the 2013 Banff International String, the Fischoff, and many others. Link, who attended the Shepherd School of Music prior to Curtis, is also a noted soloist.