Violist Marikia Fischer Hoyt  hails from Madison, Wisconsin.  In 2000, Marika had a new next door neighbor, violinist Robin Ryan a fellow participant at a Vermont chamber music festival many years previously. The two eventually formed the Ancora String Quartet with violinist Leanne Kelso League and cellist Benjamin Whitcomb.  The Quartet has since performed all around Madison and received reviews, including“You guys rock!” by WPR host Lori Skelton.