Legacy String Quartet was formed in NY in early 2024. Four like minded musicians came together with a yearning to find a new perspective in performing timeless music, while also navigating the modern day concert hall and guiding new listeners on why this music matters. Legacy String Quartet prides itself making classical music an approachable experience, as all of it’s musicians have experience in other styles of musical performance. As time marches on, the members of Legacy see the parallels between the music of then and now, showing that the gap isn’t as large as perceived.
The name “Legacy” refers to the musical family history of Olga Tourkina, which includes the Tourkina piano duet, one of the longest performing piano duets in the world from Moscow, and a close relationship to the legends of Russian music. Each member can trace their musical lineage back to the great composers, with teachings and musical philosophy that have been handed down for generations.
OLGA TOURKINA, a Russian-Mexican violinist, comes from a musical family. She grew up as an active soloist, performing significant works throughout her childhood and youth.Olga won second prize in the Pearl River Petroff International Music Competition, third prize at the Lisma International Competition, second prize at the Classical Virtuoso Competition in Pennsylvania, and first prize at the Tenerife International Chamber Music Competition in 2020. Olga studied with Natalya Gvozdetskaya, Albert Markov, and the legendary Mikhail Kopelman at the Eastman School of Music, where her quartet received an honorable mention at the chamber music competition.Olga has been an active chamber musician, orchestra player, and solo violinist in diverse musical spheres throughout New York. Her passion for chamber music led her to initiate the Legacy String Quartet in 2024.
Born in Japan, SAKI UETSUHARA graduated from the Tokyo College of Music as a student of their prestigious violin department in 2013. Since relocating to NY she has played with the New Jersey Symphony, Greenwich Symphony the Link Up Orchestra and several musicals on and off Broadway. Multiple appearances at Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden and tours to Miami with international music stars.
Drew Vella, a violist from Long Island, performs across New York and the tri-state area, including Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. As a member of the Legacy String Quartet, he collaborates with various ensembles and orchestras. A champion of the viola repertoire, Drew arranges and pioneers new works. He studied at the Eastman School, Queens College, and Long Island University, where he won the Concerto Competition.
JAMES ACAMPORA is a cellist and Long Island Native. He studied with Sue Rubner (student of Janos Starker) and considers Janos Starker one of his greatest inspirations. James composes and records string for numerous music labels, and his music has been featured in Volkswagon, Vulpeck, Discovery channel, and more. James has performed in Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, The Greenspace, Opera America Theatre, Tilles Center, Barclays center, and many more. James is also passionate about guiding younger musicians, and how to market music in this modern age.