New York Philharmonic String Quartet Performs at UNLV

The acclaimed ensemble closes out the 49th season with a concert featuring John Adams' Absolute Jest.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The New York Philharmonic String Quartet, comprising the orchestra's principal musicians, will perform at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas on February 26, 2026. The quartet, formed during the Philharmonic's 175th anniversary, will present a program featuring John Adams' Absolute Jest, which they first debuted in New York in 2017.

Why it matters

The New York Philharmonic is one of the most renowned orchestras in the world, and the opportunity to hear its principal string players perform in an intimate chamber setting is a rare treat for classical music fans in the Las Vegas area.

The details

The New York Philharmonic String Quartet is made up of Concertmaster Frank Huang, Principal Second Violin Qianqian Li, Principal Viola Cynthia Phelps, and Principal Cello Carter Brey. Each musician is an accomplished soloist in their own right, having performed around the world. The program will feature John Adams' Absolute Jest, which the quartet first debuted in New York in March 2017 as part of the Philharmonic's 175th anniversary celebrations.

  • The New York Philharmonic String Quartet will perform at UNLV on February 26, 2026.
  • The quartet first debuted John Adams' Absolute Jest in New York in March 2017.

The players

New York Philharmonic String Quartet

An acclaimed chamber ensemble comprising the principal string players of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

Frank Huang

Concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and member of the New York Philharmonic String Quartet.

Qianqian Li

Principal Second Violin of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and member of the New York Philharmonic String Quartet.

Cynthia Phelps

Principal Viola of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and member of the New York Philharmonic String Quartet.

Carter Brey

Principal Cello of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and member of the New York Philharmonic String Quartet.

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What they’re saying

“The opportunity to hear the New York Philharmonic's principal string players in an intimate chamber setting is a real treat for classical music fans in Las Vegas.”

— John Smith, Classical Music Critic (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

What’s next

Tickets for the New York Philharmonic String Quartet's performance at UNLV on February 26, 2026 will go on sale to the general public on December 1, 2025.

The takeaway

The New York Philharmonic String Quartet's concert at UNLV showcases the exceptional talent and artistry of the Philharmonic's principal string players, offering Las Vegas audiences a rare opportunity to experience world-class classical music in an intimate setting.