Maia Cabeza leaves the Doric String Quartet after two years

The first violinist stepped down earlier this summer to focus on other aspects of her musical career.

Violinist Maia Cabeza has announced her departure from the Doric String Quartet, two years after joining the ensemble as first violin.

The UK-based quartet is an established presence on the international chamber music circuit, appearing regularly at London’s Wigmore Hall and touring the United States and Japan. An exclusive Chandos recording ensemble since 2010, it has released more than 20 recordings and serves as Teaching Quartet in Association at the Royal Academy of Music.

In a statement shared on social media, Cabeza said she had stepped down earlier this summer and was “now devoting my energy to other exciting facets of my varied life as a musician”.

Reflecting on her time with the quartet, she described performances across four continents and expressed gratitude for the repertoire, shared experiences and musical collaborations. She also pointed to the ensemble’s recently released recording of five Beethoven quartets as a fitting farewell.

The remaining members—second violinist Ying Xue, violist Emma Wernig and cellist John Myerscough—responded with a message thanking Cabeza for their two years together and wishing her well for her next chapter.

Cabeza joined the Doric in 2024, succeeding founding first violinist Alex Redington, who had spent 25 years with the group. Wernig joined that same year, replacing violist Hélène Clément.

The Canadian-American violinist, who has Argentine roots, combines chamber music with solo performances and orchestral leadership. She is co-leader of London’s Aurora Orchestra and principal second violin of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. Her competition successes include first prize at the 2013 Leopold Mozart International Violin Competition in Augsburg.

A successor to Cabeza has yet to be publicly identified in the announcements reviewed.