Kalliope String Quartet was founded in 2004 by its current members with the purpose of developing the understanding and performing of chamber music. The quartet’s repertoire includes numerous pieces from the Baroque and Classical periods in addition to modern works. In the four years that the quartet has played together, it has performed for many parties, weddings, charity events, fundraisers, school functions, and numerous other occasions. Members also feel strongly about making their music available to children and older adults, and thus have given pro bono concerts at schools and nursing homes. In 2007, the Kalliope Quartet was a finalist at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival String Ensemble Competition.
The ensemble includes Grace Hwang (Violin I), Sarah Hwang (Violin II), Jennifer Franklund (Viola), and Peter Plantinga (Cello and music librarian). Grace, Sarah are students at Grand Rapids Christian High School and are members of the GRCHS orchestra program. Jennifer is homeschooling and Peter is attending Calvin College as a freshmen. In addition to school orchestra, Kalliope members occupy top chairs in the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony.
Member since 2004
Grace has been studying violin since the age of eight and studied piano for nine years. She currently studies with James Crawford, and previously studied with Dylana Jenson, and Myung-Eun Oh. Grace placed second in a violin concerto competition at the age of twelve in Korea. She has been playing in the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony for four years. She is currently a co-concertmaster for Grand Rapids Christian High School.
Last year, she has been a recipient of Christian Music Society Scholarship. Grace was a participant of Michigan All-State Orchestra for two years and a participant of Michigan Youth Arts Festival (MYAF) Honors Orchestra. Also, she has participated in solo and ensemble festivals and last year she was a finalist for MYAF Soloist Competition. In addition to music, Grace enjoys reading, dancing, and hanging out with her friends. She also has a first degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Member since 2004
Sarah has been studying violin since the age of eight and studied piano for nine years. She currently studies with James Crawford, and previously studied with Dylana Jenson, and Myung-Eun Oh. Sarah placed second in a violin concerto competition at the age of twelve in Korea. She has been part of the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony for four years and currently is a co-concertmaster of GRYS and Grand Rapids Christian High School.
Last year, she received Christian Music Society Scholarship. Sarah has been participating in solo and ensemble festivals. She was also a participant of Michigan All-State Orchestra for two years and was a participant of Michigan Youth Arts Festival Honors Orchestra. In addition to music, Sarah enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to music, singing and Tae Kwon Do. She also has a first degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.
Member since 2008
Member since 2004
Peter has been studying cello since the age of six and studied piano for a year. He played in the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony for three years, and was second chair for the last year. Two years in a row Peter was accepted to play with the Michigan All-State Orchestra. He was principal of Grand Rapids Christian High School Orchestra for two years and now is a member of the Calvin College Orchestra.
In high school, Peter was a member of the cross-country team for three years. Also, he competed in Science Olympiad for three years.
2004-2007
2007-2008