ABOUT US

Since 1998, the Alafia String Quartet has specialized in performing fine classical music for wedding ceremonies and receptions, corporate parties and society events. The Alafia String Quartet was founded by husband-wife violinists Aaron and Alda Hilsinger with the vision of providing the best musical services in the Tampa Bay Region.  Together, they collaborate with Tampa's most talented musicians to bring you elegant classical music for your wedding ceremony, reception or special occasion. Our full-time professional musicians perform regularly with the Florida Orchestra, Opera Tampa, and many other ensembles in the Tampa area. All our members hold advanced degrees from the most prestigious conservatories in the world and have years of experience performing for weddings and special events.

Alda Schwonke Hilsinger, Violin, Viola and Quartet Manager began her studies on violin at age 3 and was selected to attend The Juilliard School at age 16. Passionately dedicated to chamber music, Alda Hilsinger co-founded the Alafia String Quartet in 1998 with her husband, violinist Aaron Hilsinger.  In addition, Alda has performed at some of the world’s most important venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York, and the Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.  Festival appearances include Bowdoin (ME), Music Academy of the West (CA), Meadowmount (NY), ENCORE School for Strings (OH), Killington Music Festival (VT), Musicorda (MA) and Schleswig-Holstein Festival (Germany). On Christmas Eve in 1999, Alda was invited by Maestro Jaime Laredo to perform as a member of the New York String Orchestra Seminar in Carnegie Hall. Alda has collaborated with artists such as Kurt Sanderling, Christoph Eschenbach, members of the Houston Symphony, and the Florida Orchestra.  

Ms. Hilsinger is a graduate of the Rice University where she was awarded a Bachelor of Music degree  and a Master of Music Degree, Also a dedicated teacher, Alda is a member of the faculty of Giunta Middle School where she teaches Orchestra studies and is a fully certified teacher. In 2006, she was invited to teach a workshop at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Alda is a frequent performer with The Florida Orchestra and also Opera Tampa.

Aaron Hilsinger, Violin has performed in venues all over the world such as the Teatro Colon, Buenos Aries, the Royal Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, and Symphony Hall, Boston. While studying the art of violin at the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music, Mr. Hilsinger also performed regularly at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Mr. Hilsinger has collaborated with world renowned classical artists such as violinist Pinchas Zuckerman, and pop stars Aretha Frankin, Josh Groban, and The Four Tops. Studio recordings include Busch Garden’s “Katonga” stage show, among others.

Hundreds of students from beginning to advanced have studied with Mr. Hilsinger. While receiving his masters degree at Rice University, Houston, he instructed conservatory bound violinists and chamber music groups at the esteemed Shepherd School of Music. As a certified teacher for Hillsborough public schools, Mr. Hilsinger has also taught the youngest of students. Today, Mr. Hilsinger is an active performer in the Tampa Bay community where he regularly appears with The Florida Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra of Florida, Opera Tampa, and in services at the First United Methodist Church of Brandon.

Jason Jerald, Viola is Director of Orchestral studies at Howard W. Blake Performing Arts High School in Tampa, FL, graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in music education from The Florida State University. He served as a violist in the Tallahassee Symphony and has performed with great artists such as Joshua Bell, Denise Graves, Three Mo' Tenors, Manhattan Transfer, Ricky Scaggs, and Josh Groban. 

In 2007, Mr. Jerald earned a master's degree in orchestral conducting from the University of South Florida. Mr. Jerald is a member for the Tampa Bay Opera Orchestra and directs the Concert Strings for the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestras. He has served as the Florida All State Orchestra Chairman and Hillsborough County High School Honors Orchestra chairman.