Rasa String Quartet
Exploring the musical space where classical and folk traditions intersect and influence one another
Full Biography
Rasa String Quartet explores the musical space where classical and folk traditions intersect and influence one another.
Formed in 2019, the Boston-based ensemble brings together violinists Emma Powell and Maura Shawn Scanlin, violist Kiyoshi Hayashi, and cellist Mina Kim, who are graduates of the New England Conservatory, the Shepherd School of Music, and Yale University.
The quartet has earned top prizes at competitions including Chamber Music in Yellow Springs, Plowman Chamber Music Competition, MTNA Chamber Music Competition, and the Associazione Europea di Musica e Comunicazione (Italy). They’ve also served as ensemble-in-residence at Phillips Exeter Academy.
Rasa has collaborated with renowned folk artists like Celtic harpist Maeve Gilchrist, Irish fiddler Liz Carroll, and singer-songwriter Judy Collins, and have performed across the U.S. and abroad at events like the Osaka International Chamber Music Competition, Celebrity Series of Boston, Newport Classical, Rockport Music, Jordan Hall, and the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival.
Their love of teaching has led to educational residencies at Bowdoin College, Walnut Hill School for the Arts, UMass Dartmouth, and Boston Music Project, among others.
By exploring the connection between music and storytelling at the heart of folk traditions, Rasa delivers fresh, engaging performances that blend classical elegance with folk charm, celebrate global musical roots, and highlight underrepresented composers.
In Sanskrit, the term rasa refers to the indescribable power of art to move, inspire, and connect us—a quality Rasa String Quartet strives to embody in every performance.
Find out more at rasastringquartet.com
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Playing music we love with friends we love for people we love is what brings us THE MOST joy in the world!
Music is the most intimate, vulnerable, and deepest way to connect with others.
Music helps us perceive meaning in our lives, can instantly transform our physical, mental, and spiritual states, and connects us to the emotions that make us inherently human.
Music is the universal language – it’s a powerful medium to build community, inspire social change, and bring opposing sides together.
Music has the power to elevate voices, stories, and lessons that need to be heard.
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We aim to infuse the relaxed atmosphere and lively banter of a folk show in the classical concert experience in a way that is relatable, educational, and entertaining.
Clapping, hollering, and general giving of love and energy at ANY POINT in the show is much appreciated and will be reciprocated!
We are committed to programming music that reflects a rich diversity of cultures, styles, and genres. In a single performance, you might hear a rock classic flow into a Haydn string quartet, followed by a Korean folk song, and ending with a lively Celtic fiddle tune.
Ultimately, it’s all about inspiring some “Rasa” – a powerful and transformational emotional experience!
