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Tantalus Quartet is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2004. The quartet is composed of four members, each of whom is a highly skilled musician with a passion for classical music. The members of the quartet are violinists Mark Fewer and Nathaniel Anderson-Frank, violist Hank Dutt, and cellist Paul Katz. The quartet takes its name from the Greek myth of Tantalus, who was punished by the gods for his arrogance and pride. Tantalus was condemned to stand in a pool of water that receded whenever he tried to drink from it, and to be surrounded by fruit that was always just out of reach. The name Tantalus Quartet reflects the quartet's commitment to constantly striving for excellence in their music, even if they never quite reach perfection. The founding members of Tantalus Quartet were Mark Fewer and Hank Dutt. Fewer is a Canadian violinist who has performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Dutt is an American violist who is best known for his work with the Kronos Quartet, one of the most renowned string quartets in the world. The quartet's other two members, Nathaniel Anderson-Frank and Paul Katz, joined the group in 2011. Anderson-Frank is a British violinist who has performed with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Katz is an American cellist who was a founding member of the Cleveland Quartet, one of the most celebrated string quartets in history. Since its founding, Tantalus Quartet has performed at many of the world's most prestigious concert halls and music festivals. The quartet has been praised for its technical skill, musicality, and innovative programming. Some of the quartet's most notable performances include their debut at the Wigmore Hall in London, their performance at the Edinburgh International Festival, and their appearance at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in New York. In addition to their live performances, Tantalus Quartet has also released several critically acclaimed recordings. Their debut album, "Tantalus Quartet Plays Haydn," was released in 2007 and received widespread praise for its technical precision and musicality. The quartet's other recordings include "Tantalus Quartet Plays Beethoven" and "Tantalus Quartet Plays Bartok." Tantalus Quartet has also been the recipient of many awards and honors throughout its history. In 2006, the quartet was awarded the Banff International String Quartet Competition, one of the most prestigious competitions for string quartets in the world. The quartet has also been awarded the Cleveland Quartet Award, the Avery Fisher Career Grant, and the Canada Council for the Arts' Musical Instrument Bank. Despite their many accomplishments, the members of Tantalus Quartet remain committed to their craft and to each other. They continue to perform together and to push the boundaries of classical music, always striving to reach new heights of excellence.

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