Quatuor Les Heures du Jour is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2012 in Paris, France. The group consists of four members, all of whom are accomplished musicians in their own right. The members of the ensemble are violinists Marie-Annick Nicolas and Hélène Desaint, violist Raphaël Merlin, and cellist François Salque. The founding of Quatuor Les Heures du Jour was the result of a shared passion for chamber music among the four musicians. They had all played together in various ensembles and orchestras, but they wanted to create a group that would allow them to explore the rich repertoire of string quartets in a more intimate setting. The name of the ensemble, which translates to "The Hours of the Day Quartet," reflects their desire to capture the different moods and emotions of each moment in time through their music. Since its founding, Quatuor Les Heures du Jour has become one of the most respected and sought-after string quartets in France and beyond. The group has performed at some of the most prestigious concert halls and festivals in Europe, including the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence in France, the Wigmore Hall in London, and the Salzburg Festival in Austria. One of the highlights of the ensemble's career was their performance of the complete cycle of Beethoven's string quartets at the Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord in Paris in 2015. The cycle, which consists of 16 quartets, is considered one of the greatest achievements in the history of Western classical music. Quatuor Les Heures du Jour's interpretation of the cycle was praised for its depth, sensitivity, and technical virtuosity. In addition to their performances of the classical repertoire, Quatuor Les Heures du Jour is also known for their collaborations with contemporary composers. They have premiered works by composers such as Thierry Escaich, Philippe Hersant, and Bruno Mantovani, and have been praised for their ability to bring new and challenging music to life. Quatuor Les Heures du Jour has received numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. In 2016, they were awarded the Diapason d'Or for their recording of Schubert's String Quartet No. 14 "Death and the Maiden." The Diapason d'Or is one of the most prestigious awards in the classical music industry, and is given to recordings that are considered to be of exceptional quality. The ensemble's recording of Beethoven's string quartets has also received critical acclaim. The recording, which was released in 2017, was praised for its clarity, precision, and emotional depth. It was named one of the best classical recordings of the year by several publications, including Gramophone and BBC Music Magazine. Quatuor Les Heures du Jour is known for their commitment to education and outreach. They regularly give masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and have worked with organizations such as the Orchestre des Jeunes de la Méditerranée and the Académie Musicale de Villecroze. They believe that music has the power to bring people together and to inspire change, and they are dedicated to sharing their passion for chamber music with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. In conclusion, Quatuor Les Heures du Jour is a classical music ensemble that has made a significant impact on the world of chamber music.

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