“The language of food often shows up in writing about music, because some concerts are absolutely delicious, such as this one with the Formosa Quartet...”

“A marvelously elegant performance full of youthful freshness and exuberance... spellbinding virtuosity.”

“The Formosa Quartet plays with exquisite definition… A glistening, vivacious, witty, encore-like performance.”

“Their playing of the Schubert Quartettsatz is instinct with drama… while Mozart’s 387 is remarkably fine both in meticulous response to the letter and in a desire to look beyond the notes. ”

“Perhaps most striking was Plakala (2018)...With Pae and her colleagues gathered around her – Lin focusing on the pegs, violist Matthew Cohen wearing gloves for pizzicatos and Lee crouched on the floor with an extra bow – the result pulsated like a happy, amoebic life form.”

“Bold and intense, like shots of pure espresso... Although traditional in terms of repertoire, the performances on this disc go beyond the beautiful and into the territory of unexpectedly thrilling.”

“One of the very best quartets of their generation.”

“It is unsurprising that the members of the Formosa Quartet, winners of the London International String Quartet Competition last year, were also awarded that competition’s Amadeus Prize for the best Mozart performance...their imaginative account of Mozart’s G major Quartet K387 is spellbinding.”

“Focused intensity and extraordinary musicianship.”

“The players projected a securely integrated ensemble with a vivid sonority that had just enough edge to command attention. First violinist Jasmine Lin was the primary source of this vibrant sound, and when she took hold of a soaring phrase, the pulse of the whole room raced. Violinist Wayne Lee of the bright sound and nimble phrasing eloquently matched Lin, and violist Che-Yen Chen’s muscular approach easily demolished the stereotype of the self-effacing violist… Pae’s resonant cello solos in both the Liang and Wilson works displayed a sophisticated technique that easily adapted to the seasoned Formosa Quartet.”

“The Formosa Quartet plays with brilliant energy and carefully detailed authenticity.”

“Not only does the Formosa Quartet play beautifully — each member has charm to burn. They have everything.”

“Variety, technical brilliance, and much charm.”

“The Formosa Quartet is a strikingly homogeneous ensemble. Violinists Jasmine Lin, Wayne Lee, violist Che-Yen Chen, and cellist Deborah Pae generate a warm, vibrant cohesion. Their approach elucidated Bartok’s architecture, highlighting the convincing logic that underlies his musical drama.”

“Formosa played with sharply focused rhythm, strongly molded textures, sultry warmth, dazzling tone, captivating energy, and scrupulous attention to detail. ”