International Chamber Soloists

Based at Michigan State University, International Chamber Soloists is a unique group of extraordinary young string players from all over the world. Founded in 2004 by violinist Dmitri Berlinsky, the group has received high praise for its performances. The Toronto Globe & Mail wrote: "In the best of today’s chamber orchestras, there’s no room for wimpy playing: These ensembles are muscular, agile, flexible and out to make an impression. That’s a pretty good description of the International Chamber Soloists -- These musicians approach everything they play with an infectious alacrity…"

Berlinsky’s intention was to develop a new ensemble for advanced MSU students to have exposure to a variety of string repertoire and close collaboration with experienced professional performers including some of the MSU faculty. ICS has since developed into a professional group of musicians that on tours includes MSU string students as well as musicians from several orchestras and music schools, including New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Cincinnati Orchestra, Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, Curtis Institute, University of Michigan and Yale University.

ICS has held concerts and done outreach in Michigan, New York, Florida, Maryland, Iowa, Kansas and Texas, and participated at prestigious international festivals in Costa Rica and Mexico. The ensemble performed at the Fontana Arts Festival in Kalamazoo, and the San Francisco Conservatory as part of a Michigan State University gala concert.

In September 2015, ICS performed at the prestigious Merkin Hall in New York City as part of MSU College of Music "Viva Vivaldi" sold-out concert.

ICS was the orchestra in residence at the 2010 and 2013 Southampton Arts Festival in Long Island, NY. The group’s past performances were in Los Angeles, Washington DC, Toronto, Danbury, CT, and an eight-concert Mid-West tour. 

For more information, visit the ICS website.