Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 3 pm
In collaboration with Hendersonville Symphony, Hendersonville Theatre proudly presents the Storm String Quartet, an ensemble of some of Western North Carolina’s most accomplished string musicians. This one-performance-only event at Hendersonville Theatre promises an unforgettable afternoon of moving, culturally rich music celebrating resilience and artistic excellence.
Comprising Mariya Potapova (Violin 1), Jonathan Urizar (Violin 2), Daphne Bickley (Viola), and Amanda Durst (Cello), the Storm String Quartet is more than just a chamber ensemble—it is a story of perseverance and dedication. Each musician has a personal connection to the impact of Hurricane Helene, and this performance reflects their journey, honoring their commitment to music despite adversity.
The Storm String Quartet’s repertoire features a compelling mix of contemporary and classical works, each chosen for its emotional depth and artistic significance. The program will consist of:
- American Haiku by Paul Wiancko
- Under This Breath by Tanner Porter
- Limestone and Felt by Caroline Shaw
- Feature: Shostakovich String Quartet No. 8
At the heart of the program is Dmitri Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 8 in C minor, Op. 110—a hauntingly personal and intensely powerful masterpiece. Written in just three days, this quartet is regarded as an autobiographical reflection of Shostakovich’s struggles under Soviet oppression. Dedicated “to the victims of fascism and war,” its ghostly themes, relentless rhythms, and defiant energy create an experience that is both heartbreaking and unforgettable.
Don’t miss this unique performance at Hendersonville Theatre, where music and storytelling combine to create an evening of deep emotional impact and stunning artistry. Experience the power of music with the Storm String Quartet—a performance that will stay with you long after the final not
Mariya Potapova, Violin
St. Petersburg native Mariya Potapova leads a multi-faceted performing life in the Asheville and Greenville area. Mariya holds Bachelor degrees in Music and Psychology from University of North Carolina Asheville. She is a member of the Asheville Symphony,
Greenville Symphony, Associate Concertmaster of
Hendersonville Symphony and Symphony of the
Mountains, TN, member of Soluna String Quartet, the
Opal String Quartet, and Vakama Trio, and performs with the SC Philharmonic, Winston-Salem Symphony, and other local orchestras. She collaborates with a wide range of classical and non-classical ensembles, including Pan Harmonia, The Dead Eduards: A Piano Trio, Free Planet Radio, and The Get Right Band. She also collaborated with various artists on recording projects, including music for films. Equally at home performing musicals, Mariya has frequented the orchestra pit at the Flat Rock Playhouse and Western Carolina University.
Amanda Durst, Cello
Amanda Durst has made her mark as an orchestral cellist, collaborative musician, engaging teacher, and dedicated arts administrator. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Cello Performance from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in 2016 where she served as Principal Cellist of the college’s symphony orchestra and received the Alice Fleury Zamanakos and Arthur S. Zamanakos Prize in Music. She moved to Asheville, NC in 2018 where she performs with several Western North Carolina/East Tennessee orchestras, maintains a private teaching studio, and serves as Assistant Director of MusicWorks Asheville, an El Sistema-inspired after-school music program. She is passionate about performing the music of underrepresented composers and has coordinated a classical music series at Citizen Vinyl in downtown Asheville since 2023.
Daphne Bickley, Viola
Daphne Bickley is a dedicated musician and educator from Rutherfordton, North Carolina. She began playing
the viola at the age of three and went on to study viola
performance at the Peabody Institute of the Johns
Hopkins University at 16. Since returning to western
North Carolina, she serves her hometown community as the owner and operator of Bickley Studios, a private
violin and viola program, and as an instructor for Agape Learning, where she provides enrichment classes for local homeschoolers. On stage, Daphne performs as principal violist for both the Hendersonville Symphony and the Piedmont Chamber Orchestra, while also working regularly with the Charlotte Symphony, Asheville Symphony, and Spartanburg Philharmonic. When she’s not performing or teaching, Daphne dedicates her spare
time practicing and coaching mixed martial arts, painting, or hiking with her dogs.
Greenville, SC based violinist, Jonathan Urizar studied Violin Performance at Kennesaw State University. Jonathan’s teachers have included Lana Teko, Juan and
Carol Ramirez, and Helen Kim. In addition to maintaining a small private teaching studio, he performs
as the concertmaster of the Dekalb Symphony Orchestra, where he will be performing the violin concerto by Jean Sibelius in May 2025. Jonathan also performs with several other orchestras across the southeastern United States, and with the newly formed Soluna Quartet. Additionally, Jonathan serves as the co-founder and lead violinist in Atlanta based mariachi group- Mariachi Búhos de Oro. He performs on a contemporary instrument completed in 2014 by Pablo Alfaro in Decatur, GA. Outside of his musical life, you can find him most often on a yoga mat, running on a trail, or cuddling with his cat Luna.
