Schweizer Oktett is a classical music ensemble that was founded in Switzerland in 2005. The group consists of eight members who are all highly skilled musicians and have a passion for chamber music. The ensemble has gained a reputation for their exceptional performances and has won numerous awards for their work. The founding members of Schweizer Oktett were all students at the Zurich University of the Arts. They were brought together by their shared love of chamber music and their desire to create a unique ensemble that would showcase their talents. The original members of the group were violinists Sebastian Bohren and Mirjam Tschopp, violists David Schnee and Sebastian Braun, cellists Benjamin Nyffenegger and Christoph Croisé, and clarinetist Reto Bieri. In 2012, clarinetist Olivier Patey joined the group, replacing Reto Bieri. Schweizer Oktett has performed extensively throughout Europe and has gained a reputation for their exceptional performances. The ensemble has performed at some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Konzerthaus, and the Amsterdam Concertgebouw. They have also performed at numerous festivals, including the Lucerne Festival, the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, and the Rheingau Musik Festival. One of the highlights of Schweizer Oktett's career was their performance at the 2011 Lucerne Festival. The ensemble performed a program of works by Mozart, Brahms, and Mendelssohn, which was met with critical acclaim. The ensemble's performance was described as "exquisite" and "flawless" by critics, and the group received a standing ovation from the audience. Schweizer Oktett has also won numerous awards for their work. In 2008, the ensemble won the Swiss Chamber Music Competition, which helped to launch their career. They have also won the Prix Credit Suisse Jeunes Solistes, the Prix Musique de Chambre de la Fondation Suisa, and the Prix de la Fondation Nicati-de Luze. In addition to their performances, Schweizer Oktett is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly gives masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and they have also worked with schools and community organizations to promote classical music. Schweizer Oktett's repertoire is diverse and includes works from the classical, romantic, and contemporary periods. The ensemble is particularly known for their interpretations of works by Mozart, Brahms, and Mendelssohn, but they have also performed works by contemporary composers such as György Kurtág and Heinz Holliger. Overall, Schweizer Oktett is a highly respected ensemble that has gained a reputation for their exceptional performances and commitment to education and outreach. The group's founding members were brought together by their shared love of chamber music, and they have worked tirelessly to create a unique ensemble that showcases their talents. With their exceptional performances and numerous awards, Schweizer Oktett is sure to continue to be a major force in the world of classical music for years to come.

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