The Meritage Quartet was formed in 2005 by Carrie Krause, Stephen Cepeda, Mary Carson, and Peter Landeen, in Bozeman, Montana. The name Meritage comes from a varietal of wine in which there is no dominant grape, but instead a pleasing blend of different flavors. Bringing together four different musical personalities and backgrounds to create a whole is an equally challenging and exhilirating task. Last season, the Meritage Quartet formed a chamber music series that presents concerts in Bozeman, Helena, Missoula, and Billings, Montana, and in Buffalo, Wyoming. In addition, they have given private concerts at The Cabin Restaurant in Big Sky, the Warren Miller Lodge and the Rainbow Lodge at The Yellowstone Club.

The quartet has performed with violinist Johan Jonsson, cellists Ilse-Mari Lee and Chandra Lind, pianist Julie Gosswiller, clarinetist Gregory Young, violist Sam Taylor, and as part of the Cultural Corner concert series at Pilgrim Church. The quartet has donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Gallatin Valley, the Eaglemount Foundation, the Montana Ballet Association, and the Senior Center of Bozeman. The Meritage is active in the public school system, having performed at Ophir School in Big Sky and as quartet coaches at Bozeman High School.

The Meritage, entering their third season, was one of two groups from around the country to be invited to attend the Deer Valley Music Festival's 2007 emerging quartets and composers program. During the quartet's three week stay they were able to work closely with members of the Muir String Quartet and eminent composer Joan Tower. The Meritage premiered a work by composer Joan Panetti at the festival. The Meritage will premier a new work this season, recently completed by composer Eric Funk, and be featured on the arts show 11th and Grant on public television.

Our Mission Statement: The mission of the Meritage String Quartet is to bring classical string quartet and chamber music of the highest artistic level to Montana and the greater region. The Meritage Quartet provides regular concerts of superb quality, presented at an affordable rate, and in collaboration with guest artists, selected at the discretion of the quartet members. The Meritage Quartet places a strong emphasis on educational outreach, and strives to inspire the growth of musical study in young people through master classes, coachings, and concerts in the school systems and private organizations.