The Spiwak Quartet began in the mid 1980's when Paul and Linda Spiwak were joined by their children - Christopher and Jennifer, then ages 12 and 9. They began playing for weddings and parties throughout the Central New York region. It was a mixed group consisting of two violins and two clarinets playing traditional string quartet music. Years passed and first Chris left for college, followed by Jennifer a few years later. The Spiwak Quartet continued to perform with friends taking Chris and Jennifer's places. In 1999 Jennifer returned to live and work in the Utica area and in 2000, Chris did the same. The Spiwak FAMILY Quartet was together again and the family celebrated by making two CD's: "Live at the Stanley" and "A Spiwak Family Christmas". Both CD's were well received locally. The Christmas recording earned several hundred dollars that was donated to a local charity. The Spiwaks began planning another family quartet CD but sadly, that was not to be. Jennifer passed away early in 2001 from complications of diabetes.

Looking for new directions and still wanting to make music, the Spiwaks found themselves playing trio music to entertain the participants of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life with ethnic music ranging from Polish to Klezmer to American Folk. Eventually a new CD was produced: "Sunday Morning Music at the Relay for Life". Sales of this CD raised several hundred dollars for the American Cancer Society. The CD is still available at the local American Cancer Society in Utica and online by clicking here.

Paul & Linda Spiwak relocated to Vero Beach, FL in August 2005. Linda is the Concertmaster of the Vero Beach Chamber Orchestra and Paul is the Principal Clarinetist. They have a new quartet called The Vero Beach Concertante. The group is very active performing at weddings and other special events in Vero Beach and the surrounding area. For more details, be sure to visit the Wedding Info page on this website.

Christopher is keeping very busy with his job as Theatre Manager for the Clinton Central School Performing Arts Complex (view the theatre here), and doing radio and commercial voice-over work. Christopher also recently married Clinton, NY native Sarah Warfel.

The Spiwaks will be back in Central New York "riding bikes" for Team Jennifer in the Tour de Cure at Verona Beach to raise money for the American Diabetes Association. Also, future performances of the Spiwak Quartet are always a possibility - stay tuned for more details!


Here are some pictures from a recital in Utica.
(Click the picture for full size.)






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