The VIDA Guitar Quartet is a classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences around the world with their unique and innovative approach to guitar music. The quartet was founded in 2007 by four accomplished guitarists, Mark Eden, Mark Ashford, Amanda Cook, and Chris Stell. Each member of the quartet brings their own unique style and expertise to the group, resulting in a sound that is both cohesive and dynamic. The quartet's founding members, Mark Eden and Mark Ashford, had been performing together for over a decade before forming VIDA. They had previously played in the Eden-Stell Guitar Duo, which had gained international recognition for their performances and recordings. Amanda Cook and Chris Stell, who had also been performing together for several years, joined the duo to form the quartet. The quartet's name, VIDA, is derived from the Spanish word for "life." This name reflects the quartet's mission to bring new life to classical guitar music and to showcase the versatility and beauty of the instrument. Since their formation, the VIDA Guitar Quartet has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including the Wigmore Hall in London, the Shanghai Oriental Arts Center, and the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. They have also performed at numerous festivals, including the Bath International Guitar Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Hong Kong Arts Festival. One of the quartet's most notable performances was their appearance at the BBC Proms in 2016. The Proms is an annual music festival held in London, and the quartet's performance was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. The quartet's program included works by Bach, Piazzolla, and Boccherini, as well as a new arrangement of Ravel's "Le Tombeau de Couperin." In addition to their live performances, the VIDA Guitar Quartet has released several critically acclaimed recordings. Their debut album, "Rhapsody," was released in 2011 and features works by composers such as Albéniz, Granados, and de Falla. Their second album, "The Leaves be Green," was released in 2014 and features arrangements of traditional English folk songs. Their most recent album, "Bachianas," was released in 2018 and features arrangements of works by the Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. The quartet's innovative approach to guitar music has earned them numerous awards and accolades. In 2011, they were awarded the Tillett Trust Young Artists' Platform, which provides support and performance opportunities for young musicians. They were also finalists in the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards in 2012 and 2014. The VIDA Guitar Quartet's commitment to education and outreach has also been a major part of their work. They have conducted masterclasses and workshops at universities and music schools around the world, and have worked with young musicians through programs such as the National Youth Guitar Ensemble in the UK. In conclusion, the VIDA Guitar Quartet is a dynamic and innovative ensemble that has made a significant impact on the world of classical guitar music. Their unique approach to the instrument, combined with their exceptional musicianship and commitment to education, has earned them a well-deserved reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative guitar ensembles of our time.

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