The Walden String Quartet was a chamber music ensemble formed in 1934 by members of the Cleveland Orchestra.It was originally the idea of violinist Homer Schmitt and cellist Robert Swenson, who met in 1927. They recruited violinist Bernard Goodman and violist Leroy Collins for the original group.The viola chair changed many times until John Garvey joined in 1948. By 1935 the quartet were featured in half-hour network radio programs. The group premiered many 20th Century works including Elliott Carter's String Quartet No. 1, which was dedicated to them.