Havana Quartet

Founded in 2017, the Havana Quartet has established itself as a distinguished ensemble in both classical and contemporary music, proudly representing the richness and diversity of Cuban culture. The quartet is composed of Hansel Pérez Carrero (director, violin), Ana Caridad Frómeta (violin), Amaya Fuentes Sarria (viola), and Denise Hernández Rabeiro (cello), all graduates of the University of the Arts in Havana. Alongside their work as a quartet, its members have performed with some of Cuba’s leading ensembles, including the Havana Chamber Orchestra, the Havana Lyceum Orchestra, and Música Eterna, contributing to the country’s vibrant musical life.

The quartet made its debut during the 30th anniversary celebration of the Havana Contemporary Music Festival and has since appeared at prestigious events including La Ruta de Mozart, the Havana Classical Music Festival, the Mozart-Habana Festival, and the Habaneras Festival, commemorating Havana’s 500th anniversary. Their repertoire spans the classical canon—from Mozart and Shostakovich to contemporary Cuban composers such as Alfredo Diez Nieto, Alejandro Falcón, and Jorge Amado Molina. In 2022, their recording of Molina’s Ofrenda, featured on the album of the same name, received a Cubadisco Award, Cuba’s highest recognition in the recording industry.

In 2023, the Havana Quartet began a new artistic chapter in the United States, performing at the Harvard Fivesparks Music Festival and the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music. There, they collaborated with internationally acclaimed artists including Judith Eissenberg, Rhonda Rider, Judith Gordon, and Leonard Matczynski.

After relocating to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area, the quartet continued refining its artistry under the mentorship of Tom Rosenberg and J. Freivogel, quickly becoming an active and valued presence in Minnesota’s cultural community. The ensemble performs extensively throughout the state, presenting concerts and educational programs in concert halls, universities, schools, libraries, and community venues, bringing chamber music to audiences across both urban and rural communities. Their educational outreach has included an interactive concert and masterclass at the University of Minnesota Duluth as part of A Shades of Africa, a week-long celebration exploring the musical traditions and cultural influences of Africa and its global diaspora.

In 2025, the quartet returned to the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music as a Fellowship Ensemble, receiving advanced coaching and masterclasses from internationally recognized chamber musicians, including Jesse MacDonald and Saúl Bitran, further strengthening their artistic development within an international collaborative environment.

Since 2024, the Havana Quartet has served as Quartet-in-Residence at CAYO, an organization dedicated to fostering cultural connection through music. They have performed at prominent venues including Orchestra Hall, the Danish American Center, the Capri Theater, and numerous venues across Minnesota. Their collaborations include performances with the Jasper String Quartet and pianist Yazmin Bowers and Beat Zero, contributing to recording projects that celebrate artistic innovation and cross-cultural exchange. In 2025, the quartet also appeared at the Minnesota Tango Music Festival, further expanding its artistic reach and musical versatility.

In 2026, the Havana Quartet was awarded the prestigious Spotlight Fellowship at SphinxConnect, the annual national conference of The Sphinx Organization. One of the most competitive and respected opportunities for emerging classical artists in the United States, the fellowship recognizes chamber ensembles demonstrating exceptional artistic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to broadening access and representation in classical music. Through this recognition, the quartet has gained national visibility, participated in professional development and networking with leading artists and presenters, and joined a distinguished community of musicians supported by one of the country’s most influential organizations advancing diversity and excellence in the performing arts.

Deeply committed to education and community engagement, the Havana Quartet regularly presents masterclasses, workshops, and outreach programs that inspire emerging musicians while making chamber music accessible to diverse audiences. Their performances combine technical excellence, expressive artistry, and a profound connection to their Cuban heritage.

Today, the Havana Quartet stands as both an ambassador of Cuban musical excellence and a cultural bridge, connecting communities through performances that celebrate artistic collaboration, shared traditions, and the universal language of music.