Liz Freivogel

Liz Freivogel is an Associate Professor of Music and Artist in Residence / Viola at the University of Illinois. As the founding and current violist of the Jupiter String Quartet, she has performed globally and collaborates widely with composers, educational institutions, and cross-disciplinary teams. The quartet is based at the University of Illinois, where they hold residency and perform frequently at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Freivogel’s roles include mentoring viola students and overseeing the chamber music program, alongside her performance commitments.

Education:

• BA and BMUS from Oberlin Conservatory
• MM and Graduate Diploma in Viola Performance, and MM in String Quartet from New England Conservatory

Research Interests: Freivogel focuses on classical and contemporary chamber music performance, viola pedagogy, and fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations. Her work emphasizes engagement with emerging composers, including commissioning pieces like Michi Wiancko’s Undreamed Waters, Unpathed Shores and Kati Agócs’s Imprimatur. She advocates for community outreach through educational concerts and masterclasses, believing this is essential for future musicians.

Awards & Recognition: The Jupiter Quartet has earned prestigious accolades, including competition grand prizes and grants. Individually, Freivogel has won major viola competitions and holds a distinguished discography with labels like Azica Records and Deutsche Grammophon.

Advising & Grants: While formal grants are not explicitly listed, the quartet’s Avery Fisher Career Grant highlights their institutional support. Freivogel mentors viola students at the University of Illinois and has held residencies and teaching roles at Oberlin Conservatory, Adelphi University, and others. She frequently judges competitions and delivers masterclasses nationally.

Labs & Teams: Core member of the Jupiter String Quartet, which actively collaborates with departments at the University of Illinois, including Physics, Musicology, and the Beckman Institute, as well as external festivals and institutions.