Traditionally, only one young ensemble is chosen for the residency. Regarding the unusual selection of two, David Finckel and Wu Han said, "We could not be more thrilled to welcome these amazing young quartets to our family of performers. They possess world-class technique and great musical depth, and will make major contributions to the Society's musical fabric, while absorbing all that CMS's artists, guest artists, and the New York musical scene have to offer."

A record number of ensembles applied; they were judged on taped and live auditions. The Jupiter and Escher Quartets will perform on the Society's main stages, in concerts at the Rose Studio, on tour, in broadcasts and recordings.

The Chamber Music Society Two program was inaugurated eleven years ago; its past members include such prominent young musicians as as violinist Hilary Hahn, pianist Jonathan Biss and the Borromeo, Brentano, Mir‹ and Daedalus String Quartets.

The Jupiter String Quartet is the Graduate String Quartet in Residence at the New England Conservatory in Boston. The ensemble won first prize in the 8th Banff International String Quartet Competition in 2004 and the Young Concert Artists International Auditions last year.

During the 2006-2007 season, the Escher String Quartet will be the Graduate String Quartet in Residence at the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford, where they will be mentored by the Miami String Quartet, previous participants in the CMS Two residency.