Next Station: a journey through music, movement, and meaning

News | August 23, 2025

By String Quartet Meraki

A new chapter with MERITA

In the spring of 2024, a new chapter unfolded for the Meraki String Quartet. We found ourselves at the heart of the MERITA project, a European platform connecting talented young quartets with cultural organizations across the continent. What began as an artistic collaboration soon turned into a deeply transformative experience – both personally and professionally.

Participating in the MERITA concert series and developing our project NEXT STATION allowed us to step beyond the bounds of traditional quartet performance. With curiosity as our compass and creativity as our fuel, we embarked on a journey not just through music, but through connection, innovation, and discovery.

It all began with a simple “Yes”. At the very start of the MERITA project, our mentors asked us a question that seemed innocent enough at the time: “Could you imagine playing by heart?”
Without thinking too much, we said yes – not realizing how much that one word would shape our journey.

What followed was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences we’ve ever had. Playing by heart was only the beginning. We soon found ourselves not only memorizing complex scores, but also stepping into a completely new world involving movement, acting, and storytelling. We created something far beyond what we had imagined – a show that was musical, theatrical, and deeply personal. And we are so proud of what we achieved.

The artistic residency in Ambronay: a turning point

One of the defining moments of our MERITA journey was the artistic residency in Ambronay, France. It was here that NEXT STATION began to truly take shape. Guided by the philosophy that “the magic word is YES,” we explored, improvised, and experimented. Every day brought new challenges: memorizing scores, coordinating intricate movement, and finding harmony between theatrical expression and precise musical execution.

Together with our incredible mentors – Violaine Fournier (stage direction) and Francesca Bonato (choreography) – we developed a theatrical and physically expressive performance, built around a musical journey through classical works and folk-inspired compositions from around the world, carefully curated to resonate with audiences of all ages. Each piece became part of a broader narrative, told without sheet music, with movement and emotion guiding the way.

Ambronay was intense. It was physically and mentally demanding. But above all, it was inspiring and refreshing. We learned how to trust each other in new ways – not only as musicians but as storytellers, dancers, and collaborators. The residency became a playground for growth and a milestone in our development as an ensemble.

Performing for young audiences: a joy and a responsibility

One of the greatest gifts of this project was the opportunity to perform for children. Children are some of the most honest and open-hearted audience members you can find. Their reactions are immediate and sincere. To see them laugh, engage, and follow our story – often without words – was profoundly rewarding.

Creating a concert that speaks to a 4-year-old as much as it does to a grandparent is no easy task. But when we saw families attending together, engaging together, and leaving with smiles on their faces, we knew we had succeeded in creating something meaningful.
In some cities, our audience included toddlers as young as two or three years old. We wondered if they’d be able to stay focused for 35 minutes of music. But to our amazement, they were not only attentive – they were completely absorbed. One child even stopped crying as the show began and followed the story all the way to the end.

Across all the cities, people left with smiles on their faces – young and old. For many, it was their first time experiencing live classical music. Some came with the assumption that it might be “boring”, but after just a few moments, they were engaged, surprised, and often visibly moved.
After the concerts, we often spoke with audience members. Some told us the performance made them laugh, cry, or remember something meaningful. And that was always our goal: to connect, to move, and to bring joy through music, movement, and story.

A shared celebration: YAMawards 2025 Nomination

Our efforts were recognized in the most unexpected and thrilling way: NEXT STATION was nominated for Best School Concert at the YAMawards 2025, organized by Jeunesses Musicales International. This nomination is not only an honor – it’s a validation of the time, love, and belief we poured into this project.

We will be traveling to Viljandi, Estonia this September to perform and present NEXT STATION to an international audience of programmers and cultural leaders. This incredible opportunity would not have been possible without the MERITA Platform and the unwavering support of organizations like Le Dimore del Quartetto and ProQuartet. We are filled with gratitude and excited to see where this new station leads us.

This would not have been possible without the unwavering support and generosity of our mentors, especially Violaine Fournier. She was more than a guide – she believed in our vision, challenged us to go further, and stood beside us every step of the way. Together with the amazing Hélène Lust from ProQuartet, who continues to support us, they made space for our project to grow even after the official MERITA residency ended.

Thanks to them, we were able to return to Marseille for another week of residency to refine and deepen NEXT STATION. They also made it possible for us to produce a high-quality video recording, which played a crucial role in our YAMawards nomination. We’re now thrilled to be preparing new concerts in Paris this coming December – opportunities that came directly from these generous and ongoing collaborations.

The nomination itself felt like a crown on this entire experience – proof of what can happen when people come together with heart, vision, and support. We feel deeply grateful to be part of this community. We’ve met so many people who believe in what we do and continue to help us move forward.

We can say, with full hearts, that the MERITA project didn’t just influence our music. It changed our lives. It shifted the course of our career and opened doors we never thought possible. For that, we are endlessly thankful – and excited for whatever station comes next.

Collaboration at the core

MERITA is not just a Platform; it’s a community. Throughout this experience, we’ve been inspired by our peers – fellow quartets from all over Europe, each bringing their own stories, cultures, and sounds to the table.

We’ve also worked closely with professionals from many disciplines – mentors, educators, producers – each of whom helped us refine our vision. These collaborations were never one-sided. They were exchanges rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose. We learned that growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in dialogue.

The Spirit of Meraki

The word Meraki means to do something with soul, creativity, or love – to put a piece of yourself into your work. That’s exactly what we had in mind when choosing this name. This project is the embodiment of that spirit.

With the support of MERITA, we’ve come to realize that chamber music is not confined by tradition. It can evolve, adapt, and find new resonance in today’s world. It is a living art form – one that embraces innovation while staying rooted in its rich heritage.
Our journey with MERITA is just the beginning. As we prepare for YAMsession 2025 and look toward new collaborations, we carry with us the lessons of this journey: say yes, trust the process, and never stop exploring.

To everyone who has supported us – our mentors, collaborators, audiences, and the incredible MERITA community – thank you. You’ve helped shape not only our project but our path forward.