United Strings of Europe is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2012 by violinist Julian Azkoul. The ensemble is made up of some of the most talented young musicians from across Europe, who come together to create beautiful and inspiring music. The idea for United Strings of Europe came about when Azkoul was studying at the Royal College of Music in London. He noticed that there were many talented musicians from all over Europe studying there, but there were few opportunities for them to perform together. He decided to create an ensemble that would bring these musicians together and allow them to showcase their talents. The ensemble's main members are all highly skilled musicians who have studied at some of the best music schools in Europe. They include violinists Julian Azkoul, Ana Beatriz Ferreira, and Maria Włoszczowska; violists Luba Tunnicliffe and Elitsa Bogdanova; cellists Julia Morneweg and Pierre Doumenge; and double bassist Enno Senft. Since its founding, United Strings of Europe has performed at some of the most prestigious music festivals and venues in Europe. They have performed at the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, the Lucerne Festival, and the Rheingau Musik Festival, among others. They have also performed at some of the most famous concert halls in Europe, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Musikverein in Vienna. One of the highlights of United Strings of Europe's career was their performance at the Salzburg Festival in 2015. They performed a program of works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms, which was met with critical acclaim. The Salzburger Nachrichten praised the ensemble's "exquisite playing" and "perfect ensemble work," while the Wiener Zeitung called their performance "a revelation." Another highlight of the ensemble's career was their performance at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2017. They performed a program of works by Bartók, Ligeti, and Dvořák, which was described by The Scotsman as "a thrilling and virtuosic display of musicianship." The ensemble received a standing ovation from the audience, and the Edinburgh Festival Society awarded them the Herald Angel Award for their outstanding performance. United Strings of Europe has also received numerous awards and accolades for their recordings. Their debut album, "Echoes of Europe," was released in 2016 and received critical acclaim. The album features works by composers from across Europe, including Bartók, Szymanowski, and Ravel. It was named "Album of the Week" by Classic FM and was praised by Gramophone for its "impressive technical skill and musical sensitivity." In addition to their performances and recordings, United Strings of Europe is also committed to education and outreach. They regularly give masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and they have worked with organizations such as the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and the European Union Youth Orchestra. Overall, United Strings of Europe is a talented and dynamic ensemble that has quickly established itself as one of the leading classical music ensembles in Europe. With their virtuosic playing, innovative programming, and commitment to education and outreach, they are sure to continue to inspire audiences and musicians alike for years to come.

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