PHOENIX STRING QUARTET - Key Persons
Ajay Patel holds a Masters Degree in Cello Performance from Arizona State University. He is the associate conductor of the Scottsdale Philharmonic. Ajay has performed with the Arizona Opera, has served as substitute principal cello for the Chandler Symphony, and has been a member of the Symphony of the Southwest and Musica Nova orchestras. Ajay is the Musical Director and Conductor of the East Valley Youth Symphony (evysaz.org).
In addition to performing, he is a full time educator in the Chandler School district, directing the orchestra program at Basha High School. Ajay maintains a high level cello studio from his residence in Gilbert, and his students have participated in Regionals, All State, and high level performance competitions. For more information about studying cello with Mr. Patel, please send an email to cellopatel@gmail.com. Ajay is excited to be affiliated with the Phoenix String Quartet.
Caroline holds a bachelor's degree in violin performance from Arizona State University. Locally, she has performed with the Phoenix Symphony, Symphony of the West Valley, and Musica Nova. Caroline is co-director of the Arizona Repertory Orchestra and teaches orchestra for the Chandler Unified School District.
Caroline has appeared with with the Brevard North Carolina Music Center Orchestra, and New College Orchestra in Sarasota Florida. As an educator and performer she has and attended the National Music Center in Interlochen Michigan and maintains a private violin/viola studio here in Metro Phoenix. Phoenix String Quartet Artist in Residence.
Jo has been a church choir director and organist. She teaches private lessons on cello and piano. Jo taught in public schools for 21 years and at Arizona State University for 12 years. Joeann is a member of the Phoenix String Quartet association and performs with the Phoenix String Quartet.
Li began her cello studies at the age of 9. Li was an award winner at both the First and Second China National Cello Competitions in 1988 and 1993, respectively. After receiving a Bachelor's Degree in cello performance from the Central Conservatory of music in Beijing, Li served as Principal Cellist for the Beijing Symphony Orchestra from 1994 to 1999, at the same time serving as principal cellist for the China women's Philharmonic Orchestra. In those positions, she toured China and Asia, which included participation in the Asia Philharmonic Orchestra in Tokyo and Seoul. From 1995 to 2000, Li was also a faculty member at her alma mater, the Central COnservatory of Music. After moving to the United States, Li gave solo recitals in addition to performing with various chamber and orchestra groups. From 2002 to 2005, Li was a member of the cello faculty at the Arcadia Music Academy in Phoenix. She has been a substitute cellist for the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra since 2004, and guest cellist with the Scottsdale Philharmonic . Mrs. Ma joined the Chandler Symphony Orchestra as principal cellist and soloist in 2007.
Mike Prokes is perhaps the most recognized freelance violinists in the valley. He is a gifted player known for near flawless performances. He spent 15 years as a member of the Phoenix Symphony and performed with the Arizona Opera Company.
Mikes love of music shows in his performances. He is a bright spot in any group. During his career he has delighted audiences with thousands of concerts including, weddings, ballets, opera, rock and roll, live musicals, churches, formal concerts, and even as a strolling violinist. Mike now performs exclusively as a freelance artist.
Nathan holds a music degree from the prestigious Cleveland Institute of Music and honed his skills as an audio engineer engineering recordings for Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble, Dave Brubeck, John Pizzarelli, Andre Previn, Boston Pops, and the Boston Symphony Orhcestra.
He currently owns Vault Mastering, serving musically diverse clients throughout the world. Nathan performas as principal cello for the Symphony of the Southwest, and is artist in residence with The Phoenix String Quartet.
Nathan can now be found mastering records out of his new mastering studio in the Phoenix area. See pictures of the new studio here. Arrangements for attended sessions in New York can be made with two months of notice.
Violist Patricia Cosand is a native of Phoenix. She has degrees in music from both California State University at Fresno and Arizona State University. She counts ten years as a violist with Phoenix Symphony, and more than fifteen years as principal viola with the Arizona Opera Orchestra. She has an avid interest in pedagogy and chamber music, and runs a successful music studio called Mesa Violin Studios and is director of the summer camp, String Quartet Camp and Bass Workshop. She is married to pianist, Walter Cosand and they reside in Tempe.