Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

Germany

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Signum Quartett is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1994 in Cologne, Germany. The quartet consists of four members: Florian Donderer (violin), Annette Walther (violin), Xandi van Dijk (viola), and Thomas Schmitz (cello). The ensemble has gained international recognition for their unique sound and innovative programming. The quartet's founding members, Florian Donderer and Thomas Schmitz, met while studying at the Cologne University of Music. They were later joined by Annette Walther and Xandi van Dijk, and the quartet officially formed in 1994. The ensemble's name, Signum Quartett, is derived from the Latin word "signum," which means "signal" or "mark." The quartet chose this name to represent their desire to make a mark in the world of classical music. Signum Quartett has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Konzerthaus Berlin, the Wigmore Hall in London, and the Carnegie Hall in New York. They have also performed at numerous festivals, such as the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, the Rheingau Music Festival, and the Beethovenfest Bonn. One of the quartet's most notable performances was their debut at the Berlin Philharmonic in 2008. They performed a program of works by Haydn, Bartók, and Beethoven, which received critical acclaim. The quartet has also collaborated with renowned musicians such as pianist Igor Levit, cellist Daniel Müller-Schott, and clarinetist Jörg Widmann. In addition to their performances, Signum Quartett has also received numerous awards and accolades. They were awarded the prestigious Echo Klassik award in 2016 for their album "No. 3," which features works by Schubert, Bartók, and Ligeti. The quartet has also been awarded the WDR Chamber Music Prize and the German Music Competition Prize. One of the quartet's unique features is their commitment to innovative programming. They often incorporate contemporary works into their programs, and have commissioned new works from composers such as Jörg Widmann, Wolfgang Rihm, and Brett Dean. The quartet's dedication to contemporary music has earned them a reputation as one of the leading ensembles in the field. Signum Quartett has also recorded extensively, with over 20 albums to their name. Their recordings have received critical acclaim and have been praised for their technical precision and musicality. Some of their most notable recordings include their album "No. 3," which won the Echo Klassik award, and their album "Mozart: The Last String Quartets," which was praised for its interpretation of Mozart's final quartets. In addition to their performances and recordings, Signum Quartett is also committed to music education. They regularly give masterclasses and workshops, and have worked with young musicians at institutions such as the Royal Academy of Music in London and the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln. Overall, Signum Quartett is a highly respected ensemble in the world of classical music. Their commitment to innovative programming, dedication to contemporary music, and technical precision have earned them numerous awards and critical acclaim. With their unique sound and musicality, they continue to make a mark in the world of classical music.

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