Vilachel String Quartet
About Us
What is Vilächel? (Vel-ah-chul)
Our string quartet is an ensemble based in Edmonds, Washington, composed of four classically trained college students. We bring our dedication to music and each other to every event, providing a warm, well blended sound. From corporate events, to weddings or parties, our extensive repertoire will compliment any occasion. We strive to provide ideal musical selections that will enhance your event.
Meet the Team
Kai Hartmann
Kai is a classically-trained local violinist who has been playing violin for seventeen years. He enjoys a variety of musical styles and genres, and has been a member of the Vilachel String Quartet since 2019. Kai has participated in multiple studio recitals and Solo Ensemble festivals, and was heavily involved in his Orchestra and pit Orchestra during high school. Kai truly enjoys playing music with his friends, while getting to perform at a vast variety of events and gatherings. Outside of music, Kai is passionate about law and politics. He graduated from the University of Washington in 2023, and currently works for a local legal aid organization. He is planning on attending law school in the near future, and hopes to continue performing and sharing music with others during this time. During his free time, Kai loves spending time with his dog, riding motorcycles, and playing (or watching) soccer.
Hwa Jung Choi
Hwa Jung is the second violinist in the Vilachel String Quartet, who has been playing violin for fourteen years. Their orchestral and ensemble experience in particular ranges from performances in weddings, retirement homes, festivals, and more since 2015. As a member of the Rainbow City Orchestra, they also had the honor of performing the “Spectrum of Identity” set at Benaroya Hall with the Rainbow City Band. While performing, they are studying to prepare for the CPA exam.
Elise Yi
Elise is currently enrolled at Seattle Pacific University as a Music Education major to become a teacher. She began playing viola during her senior year in high school, as part of the Cascade Youth Symphony Chamber Music Program. During her time at Edmonds Woodway High School, she played violin as her primary instrument, having served as Principal Second Violin for the Symphonic and Philharmonic Orchestras. During this time, she also worked under Mark Press at the Driftwood Theater and Madrona School Plays. Elise also played in the Concert Orchestra as a cellist under Karen Helseth. Currently, she also works as a private teacher at the Puget Sound Music Academy as a violin and viola teacher.
Andrew Tjandra
Andrew is a Seattle-born musician, composer/arranger and instrumentalist. He has studied Cello for nine years, has played in various string ensembles in the area, and also co-manages the Vilachel String Quartet, a music performance group that caters to a variety of different events and performance needs in the greater Seattle area. Besides cello, Andrew is also a pianist of fifteen years, having performed for multiple religious organizations, orchestral works and musical productions throughout his career. He was an educator with the Puget Sound Music Academy and West Side Music Academy and is currently an accompanist for the Sno-King Music Educators Association in Washington. He graduated with a Bachelor's in Music Therapy, and currently works with Chrysalis Music Therapy and AccentCare, providing Music Therapy services in the Greater Seattle area. In his free time, he enjoys arranging and composing music, experimenting with new recipes and exploring the local culinary scene
