Country

:

Czech Republic

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Wihan Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences around the world for over 30 years. The quartet was founded in 1985 in Prague, Czech Republic, by four young musicians who shared a passion for chamber music and a desire to create a unique sound that would set them apart from other ensembles. The founding members of the Wihan Quartet were violinists Leos Cepicky and Jan Schulmeister, violist Jiri Zigmund, and cellist Ales Kasprik. All four musicians had studied at the Prague Conservatory and the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, and had already gained experience playing in various orchestras and chamber groups before coming together to form the quartet. From the beginning, the Wihan Quartet was committed to exploring the rich repertoire of classical chamber music, from the works of Haydn and Mozart to the more modern compositions of Shostakovich and Britten. They also sought to bring their own unique interpretation to these pieces, incorporating their individual musical personalities and styles into their performances. The quartet quickly gained recognition for their exceptional musicianship and dynamic performances, and began to receive invitations to perform at major music festivals and concert halls around the world. Some of their most notable performances include appearances at the Edinburgh International Festival, the Salzburg Festival, and the Wigmore Hall in London. Over the years, the Wihan Quartet has undergone some changes in its lineup, with violist Jiri Zigmund leaving the group in 1991 and being replaced by violist Vaclav Bernasek. However, the quartet has remained committed to its original vision of creating a unique sound that blends the individual talents of its members into a cohesive whole. One of the highlights of the Wihan Quartet's career came in 1991, when they won the prestigious London International String Quartet Competition. This award helped to raise the quartet's profile even further, and they soon became one of the most sought-after chamber ensembles in the world. In addition to their performances, the Wihan Quartet has also recorded extensively, with over 20 albums to their name. Their recordings have received critical acclaim and have won numerous awards, including the Diapason d'Or and the BBC Music Magazine Award. Despite their success, the members of the Wihan Quartet remain humble and dedicated to their craft. They continue to rehearse and perform together regularly, always striving to push the boundaries of what is possible in classical chamber music. Today, the Wihan Quartet is made up of violinists Leos Cepicky and Jan Schulmeister, violist Jiri Zigmund, and cellist Ales Kasprik. They continue to tour extensively, performing at major concert halls and festivals around the world. Their commitment to excellence and their passion for classical music have made them one of the most respected and beloved chamber ensembles of our time.

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