The Franklin Quartet, named after the Age of Enlightenment polymath Benjamin Franklin, performs early string quartets on period instruments. They bring a spirit of curiosity, innovation, and meticulous research to their performances, with a special focus on reviving rarely heard 18th- and 19th-century string quartet repertoire.

Individually, each member is a prolific recording artist with contributions to six Grammy-nominated albums. They have extensive experience as specialists in historically informed performance practice and are highly sought after as soloists, chamber musicians, and orchestral leaders nationally and internationally.

Founded in 2016, the Franklin Quartet proudly stands as Philadelphia’s only period-instrument string quartet. At home, they frequently perform with Main Line and Phila Landmarks Early Music Series, and their out-of-town appearances include GEMS and Boston’s SoHip. Their tours have extended to Western Pennsylvania and upstate New York, and they have been met with critical acclaim at Washington Bach Consort’s Chamber Music Series.

Elle Marie Sullivanon of MD Theater Guide had this to say regarding Franklin Quartet’s Washington DC debut: “Franklin Quartet performs as a beautiful machine, working together as an ensemble to create music. Not a single moment did one musician outshine any of the others and rather than watching four people play it was an experience of watching four individuals create harmony together.”