The Eykamp String Quartet was established in 2002 through the generosity of the Eykamp Family to provide high caliber live classical music performances and provide dynamic educational experiences to our community and beyond. Members ofthe Eykamp String Quartet serve as principal string players of the
Evansville Philharmonic and are Artists in Residence at the University of Evansville. The quartet performs free concerts throughout the year in the Tri-State area, ranging from schools, concert halls, parks, hospitals, and community centers. Since 2020, the quartet's "New Traditions" series has brought the music of over 40 underrepresented composers to audiences throughout the Tri-State. In addition to performing, the quartet leads workshops and sectionals with young musicians. The Eykamp String Quartet is made possible by the special underwriting of Rita, Richard and Dorothy Eykamp, friends of the University of Evansville, and the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra.

Meet the Members of the Eykamp String Quartet

Members

Jack Bogard

Concertmaster

Jack Bogard began performing with the Evansville Philharmonic as a section violinist during the 2021-2022 season. Most recently Jack was Principal 2nd Violin of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, musician with the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, and Concertmaster of the Indiana University New Music Ensemble. Jack was a member of the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra from 2019-2022 and participated with the National Orchestral Institute and Festival from 2020-2022, Aspen Music Festival and School Orchestral Program in 2018 and 2019, and the National Repertory Orchestra in 2017. Jack was a member of Cincinnati's 4-way String Quartet from 2017-2019 and taught both in-school and after-school programs for under-served youth in the Cincinnati area. Jack served as Concertmaster under Marin Alsop during the National Orchestral Institute Summer Festival.

Jack Performed the Ein Heldenleben Concertmaster solo under the direction of Marin Alsop at the National Orchestra Institute in 2022 and appeared as a guest Concertmaster for Richmond Symphony Orchestra and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

His awards and honors include Finalist in International Irish Fiddle competition at the All-Ireland Fleadh in County Caven, Ireland (2011-2012), Midwest Youth Irish Fiddle Championship (2011-2012), and Tony Cuffe Youth Scholarship for study at Swannanoa Gathering in 2010.

Mr. Bogard graduated from Indiana University in Solo Performance and has a performance Diploma in Orchestra Studies from Indiana University. Jack has a bachelor's degree in jazz Violon Performance from the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music and spent a semester in Brazil at the Universidade Estudual de Campinas (UNICAMP).

Michael Chu

Principal Second Violin

Born and raised in Minnesota, Michael Chu is both an active performer and music educator. Coming from a diverse musical education including violin, piano, trumpet, and saxophone, Michael enjoys drawing inspiration from many different influences and cultures. He actively seeks to expand his knowledge and understanding of both historical and contemporary styles, respecting traditions while embracing new directions. Michael is a graduate of the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, where he received his B.M. in Violin Performance and Music Education as a student of Sally O'Reilly. He later went on to receive his M.M. in Violin Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music as a student of Chen Zhao. Other influential teachers have included Catherine Van Hoesen, Aaron Janse, and Blayne Barnes.

Michael has placed in numerous competitions, including first prize in the Mary West Symphony Solo Competition, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Youth Chamber Music Competition, Schubert Club Student Scholarship Competition, Thursday Musical Young Artist Scholarship Competition, and was a National Finalist in the MTNA Young Artist Performance Competition.

Michael also plays with the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, and has previously played as a Substitute Violinist in the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and as a Substitute Concertmaster for both the Kenwood Symphony Orchestra and Linden Hills Chamber Orchestra

Mark Hatlestad

Principal Viola

Mark Hatlestad is the Principal Violist of the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, a member of the Eykamp String Quartet, and is an Artist in Residence at the University of Evansville since his appointment to the position in 2018. A Minnesota native, Mark began playing violin at the age of 4, before switching to viola when he was 12. Mark is a graduate of Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music (B.M. 15, M.M. 17), where he studied viola performance with Atar Arad and Edward Gazouleas. At IU, Mark studied chamber music with Peter Stumpf, Kevork Madirossian, Mark Kaplan, Stephen Wyrczynski and members of the Pacifica Quartet. An advocate of contemporary music, Mark served as Principal Viola of Indiana University's New Music ensemble under David Dzubay.

Mark studied violin and viola pedagogy with Mimi Zwieg and Brenda Brenner and served as an assistant instructor at the Indiana University Summer String Academy and in the Fairview Violin Project. Outside of IU, Mark has participated and performed in masterclasses across the world, including studies with Rolland Glassl and Rolland Vamos. Mark is also Principal Violist of the Owensboro Symphony and conducts the Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra

Graham Cullen

Principal Cello

Graham Cullen is currently the cellist of the Eykamp String Quartet as well as the Principal cellist of both Evansville Philharmonic and Owensboro Symphony Orchestras. Graham holds a BM and an MM from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. During his time at the Jacobs School, Graham was a member of the student quartet in residence, allowing him to work closely and collaborate with the Pacifica Quartet and other faculty members.

Before coming to Evansville, Graham held the Assistant Principal chair with the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic. He was also a member of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra. Graham was invited numerous summers to be a fellow at both Aspen Music Festival and Tanglewood Music Center where he performed alongside cellists Yo-Yo Ma and Alisa Weilerstein. Graham was a grand prizewinner of the Alice Coleman Chamber Competition and has had the opportunity to perform all over the US and Europe with his quartet.