Quatuor Van Kuijk is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2012. The ensemble consists of four members: Nicolas Van Kuijk (violin), Sylvain Favre-Bulle (violin), Grégoire Vecchioni (viola), and François Robin (cello). The ensemble is based in Paris, France, and has gained international recognition for their performances. The members of Quatuor Van Kuijk met while studying at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris. They quickly discovered a shared passion for chamber music and decided to form a quartet. The ensemble takes its name from its founder and first violinist, Nicolas Van Kuijk. Quatuor Van Kuijk has won numerous awards and competitions since its founding. In 2015, the ensemble won first prize at the Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition in London. This prestigious competition is known for launching the careers of many successful chamber music ensembles. Quatuor Van Kuijk was the first French ensemble to win the competition in its history. In addition to their success at the Wigmore Hall competition, Quatuor Van Kuijk has also won first prize at the Trondheim International Chamber Music Competition in Norway and the FNAPEC European Chamber Music Competition in Paris. The ensemble has also been awarded the ProQuartet-CEMC Prize, which recognizes outstanding young chamber music ensembles. Quatuor Van Kuijk has performed at many of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Wigmore Hall in London, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the Philharmonie de Paris. The ensemble has also been invited to perform at numerous music festivals, including the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence, the Festival de La Roque d'Anthéron, and the Festival de Saintes. One of the highlights of Quatuor Van Kuijk's career was their performance at the 2016 BBC Proms in London. The ensemble performed Beethoven's String Quartet No. 15 in A minor, Op. 132, to critical acclaim. The Guardian described the performance as "a deeply felt and beautifully played account of Beethoven's A minor Quartet." Quatuor Van Kuijk is known for their innovative programming, which often includes lesser-known works alongside more familiar pieces. The ensemble has a particular interest in contemporary music and has commissioned works from several composers, including Benjamin Attahir and Michael Jarrell. In addition to their performances, Quatuor Van Kuijk is committed to music education and outreach. The ensemble has worked with young musicians in France and abroad, leading masterclasses and workshops. They have also collaborated with schools and community organizations to bring classical music to new audiences. Quatuor Van Kuijk has released several recordings, including an album of works by Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven, which was released in 2016. The ensemble's recording of Schubert's String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, "Death and the Maiden," was released in 2018 to critical acclaim. In conclusion, Quatuor Van Kuijk is a highly acclaimed classical music ensemble that has gained international recognition for their performances and innovative programming. The ensemble's founding members met while studying at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris and quickly discovered a shared passion for chamber music.

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