Role

:

Ensemble

 

The Kuss Quartett is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over two decades. The quartet was founded in 1991 by four young musicians who shared a passion for chamber music and a desire to create a unique sound that would set them apart from other ensembles. The founding members of the Kuss Quartett were Jana Kuss (violin), Oliver Wille (violin), William Coleman (viola), and Mikayel Hakhnazaryan (cello). All four musicians had already established themselves as talented soloists and chamber musicians before coming together to form the quartet. From the beginning, the Kuss Quartett was committed to exploring the full range of the string quartet repertoire, from the classical works of Haydn and Mozart to the contemporary compositions of living composers. They quickly gained a reputation for their innovative programming and their ability to bring fresh interpretations to even the most well-known pieces. One of the highlights of the Kuss Quartett's early career was their victory at the 1996 International String Quartet Competition in Osaka, Japan. This prestigious competition is known for its rigorous selection process and high standards, and the Kuss Quartett's win was a testament to their exceptional musicianship and artistry. Since then, the Kuss Quartett has gone on to perform at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Salzburg Festival, and the BBC Proms. They have collaborated with many of the world's leading musicians, including pianist Menahem Pressler, cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras, and clarinetist Sabine Meyer. One of the Kuss Quartett's most notable collaborations was with the composer György Kurtág, whose music they have championed throughout their career. They worked closely with Kurtág on the recording of his complete string quartets, which was released to critical acclaim in 2013. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Kuss Quartett is also committed to music education and outreach. They have worked with young musicians in masterclasses and workshops around the world, and have been involved in several projects aimed at bringing classical music to new audiences. Throughout their career, the Kuss Quartett has received numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. They have been awarded the Echo Klassik Award, the Diapason d'Or, and the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik, among others. Despite changes in personnel over the years, the Kuss Quartett has remained true to their original vision of creating a unique sound and exploring the full range of the string quartet repertoire. They continue to inspire audiences with their exceptional musicianship and their commitment to the art of chamber music.

More....