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Ensemble

 

ConTempo Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over two decades. The quartet was founded in 1995 in Bucharest, Romania, by four young musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. The founding members of the quartet were Bogdan Sofei (violin), Ingrid Nicola (violin), Andreea Banciu (viola), and Adrian Mantu (cello). The quartet's name, ConTempo, is a combination of the words "contemporary" and "tempo," reflecting their commitment to performing both classical and contemporary music with equal passion and skill. From the beginning, the quartet's goal was to bring chamber music to a wider audience and to promote Romanian music on the international stage. ConTempo Quartet quickly gained recognition for their exceptional musicianship and dynamic performances. In 1999, they won the first prize at the International Chamber Music Competition in Krakow, Poland, which launched their international career. Since then, they have performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Berlin Philharmonic. The quartet has also collaborated with many renowned musicians, including pianist Barry Douglas, cellist Natalie Clein, and violinist Maxim Vengerov. They have also worked with contemporary composers such as John Kinsella, Kevin Volans, and Philip Glass, and have premiered many new works. ConTempo Quartet has released several critically acclaimed recordings, including their debut album, "Romanian Rhapsodies," which features works by Romanian composers George Enescu and Bela Bartok. They have also recorded works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert, as well as contemporary composers such as Arvo Part and Gyorgy Kurtag. One of the quartet's most significant achievements was their appointment as Galway Music Residency's Quartet in Residence in 2003. This residency allowed them to establish a strong presence in Ireland and to develop a close relationship with the local community. They have since become an integral part of the Irish music scene, performing regularly at festivals and events throughout the country. In 2013, ConTempo Quartet celebrated their 18th anniversary with a series of concerts in Romania and Ireland, showcasing their versatility and virtuosity. They also released a new album, "ConTempo Plays Haydn," which features the complete string quartets of Joseph Haydn. In addition to their performances, ConTempo Quartet is also committed to music education and outreach. They have worked with schools and community groups in Ireland and Romania, providing workshops and masterclasses to young musicians. They have also established the ConTempo Quartet Academy, which offers intensive training to young string players. ConTempo Quartet has received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career. In addition to their win at the International Chamber Music Competition in Krakow, they have also won the Charles Hennen International Chamber Music Competition in the Netherlands and the Bordeaux International String Quartet Competition in France. They have been awarded the Romanian Order of Cultural Merit and the Galway City Council's Arts Award. In conclusion, ConTempo Quartet is a world-class ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music.

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