Alma String Quartet: Grrrl Power from Cuba
- Martina Knecht
- Jan 14
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 26
On February 9, 2025, the all-female Alma String Quartet from Havana, Cuba, delivered an intimate performance in Zurich as part of the La casa de nadie Room Sessions concert series. A review by Martina Knecht.
Alma String Quartet at MuralMusicRooms in Zurich (from left): Liliet Silva Carmenates on second violin, Camila Crespo Ramirez on first violin, Amaya Justiz Robert on cello, and Yosmara Castañeda Valdés on viola.
The Alma String Quartet’s performance in Zurich was nothing short of electrifying, combining passion, rich sonority, and cultural innovation. As the final stop on their groundbreaking international tour, which spanned the USA and Europe, the quartet delivered an unforgettable experience that captivated the Swiss audience. Their remarkable technical prowess and distinctive musical voice were on full display, reaffirming their status as one of the most exciting and innovative chamber ensembles in the classical music world today.
Founded eight years ago by Cuban cellist Amaya Justiz Robert, the Alma String Quartet is a trailblazing group of musicians who are rewriting the narrative of classical music with their unique sound and approach. Hailing from the prestigious Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana, Cuba, the quartet is made up of four incredible women: Amaya Justiz Robert (cello), Yosmara Castañeda Valdés (viola), Liliet Silva Carmenates (violin), and Camila Crespo Ramirez (violin). Each one is a professional musician whose dedication to teaching and performing has earned them international recognition.
For the final concert of their tour, we were thrilled to invite the Alma String Quartet to Zurich, offering the Swiss audience a rare opportunity to experience the Cuban quartet’s unique energy and artistry up close. Renowned for their collaborations with legendary composers like Leo Brouwer, the Alma String Quartet is celebrated for their fearless exploration of new horizons in chamber music. Their exceptional ability to fuse Cuban musical traditions with classical elements has established them as a formidable force on the international stage, captivating audiences across the globe with their distinctive sound and emotional depth.
An Ensemble with a Rich Legacy of Collaboration and Achievement
From the beginning, Alma String Quartet has been known for their artistic versatility and openness to innovation. Their partnership with the Espiral Eterna Editions Office of legendary composer Leo Brouwer has resulted in stunning performances and recordings of his works, including the String Quartet No. 5, Two Preludes of Gershwin-Brouwer, and Ballads from the Black Decameron featuring Zurich-based guitarist Lazhar Cherouana. These collaborations have cemented the quartet’s reputation for interpreting complex and contemporary compositions with precision and flair.
Their accomplishments extend far beyond the stage. The quartet has been involved in cultural and international projects that showcase the breadth of their musical versatility. They have performed to commemorate the 500th Anniversary of Sweden's National Day, participated in the A Ritmo de Inclusión project—a platform for promoting Cuban art—and joined forces with Helson Hernández to honour Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninov.
Whether performing for the European Union Day celebrations or recording the soundtrack for the short film Gemini, Alma String Quartet brings an intensity and emotional depth to every project they touch. Their musical contributions are not just performances—they are cultural statements that resonate with audiences around the world.
A Tribute to the Power of Women in Music
In a world often dominated by male musicians in classical circles, Alma String Quartet is proud to be an all-female ensemble making waves. With Amaya Justiz Robert at the helm, the quartet is an embodiment of female strength, vision, and creative force in the music world. They are redefining what it means to be a woman in music, showcasing their talents and carving out their own space on the global stage.
Their artistry transcends genre, and their performances are always charged with emotion and intensity. Whether it’s playing alongside MalPaso Dance Company in Broadway (read New York Times review), performing works by Jean Michel Lesdel in Guadeloupe, or premiering new compositions like Carles Guisado’s Quinteto Reflexión No. 2: Maktoub, the Alma String Quartet brings an infectious energy that captivates every listener.
A Sunday of Musical Magic in Zurich
The Zurich concert on February 9, 2025, was an intimate and electrifying experience, where the energy freely flowed between the musicians and the audience. Set in an unconventional venue—MuralMusicRooms, a shared rehearsal space buried four floors underground coordinated by Heribel Izquierdo—the performance radiated an intimate, almost otherworldly charm. The setting itself, combined with the dynamic talents of the Alma String Quartet, made this concert unforgettable.
The Alma String Quartet presented a thoughtfully curated program, balancing technical precision with a distinct artistic identity. Their performance was a journey through the vibrant spirit of Cuba, threading together folk, auteur and classical influences in a seamless narrative, skilfully blending a rich musical heritage with contemporary influences.
The program included:
Estaciones porteñas – Astor Piazzolla
Pan con timba – Aldo López-Gavilán
La bella cubana – José White
Contradanza de Paquito – Paquito D'Rivera
La comparsa – Ernesto Lecuona
Dame un traguito – Juan Almeida
Cuán hermosa naturaleza – Tulio Medina
Vera Cruz – Milton Nascimento
Cañambu – Eduardo Gamboa
Castellanos – Benny Moré
Guaguanco – Guido López-Gavilán
Cumbanchero – Rafael Hernández
For La bella cubana, they were joined by French guitarist and composer Lazhar Cherouana. His expressive playing added depth and colour, complementing the quartet’s fluid interplay. This collaboration is not new—the group also performs as a quintet with Lazhar, including for their Leo Brouwer recording project. Another standout moment came from Cuban violinist Beatriz Arias Milán, whose violin improvisation brought an electrifying spontaneity to the performance. Playing with a visible baby bump, she infused her solo with a striking intensity. Expecting parents Beatriz and Lazhar, who are based in Zurich and also perform together as a duo, added yet another layer to the evening’s rich musical conversation, making for an engaging and memorable experience.
Alma String Quartet's performance was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of cultural richness, musical innovation, and female empowerment. Organised by La casa de nadie in collaboration with MuralMusicRooms, the event was also a tribute to the unparalleled creativity and enduring legacy of Latin American composers and arrangers, whose works continue to inspire contemporary artists across genres. As part of the concert series La casa de nadie Room Sessions, From Havana to Zurich: Alma String Quartet Live resonated deeply with its audience, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Zurich and reaffirming the transformative power of music in uniting people across borders and generations.
While in Zurich, the quartet recorded some tunes at the La casa de nadie Recording Studio, including a special feature with the youngest La casa de nadie resident, 10 years old Ella Yépez Knecht on piano. Camila, Liliet, Amaya, and Yosmara will be back on tour in Europe this November. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay updated on their next Swiss dates and releases!
Concert programme 2025/26
The La casa de nadie Room Sessions are an intimate concert series held in unconventional spaces. La casa de nadie also hosts the monthly concert series Zurich Jam Session.
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