Epoque Quartet is a classical music ensemble that has gained international recognition for its unique blend of classical and contemporary music. The quartet was founded in 1999 in Prague, Czech Republic, by four young musicians who shared a passion for classical music and a desire to explore new musical horizons. The founding members of Epoque Quartet were violinists Jana Vöröšová and Vladimír Klánský, violist Vladimír Kroupa, and cellist Vít Petrášek. All four musicians had studied at the Prague Conservatory and had already established themselves as accomplished classical musicians before forming the quartet. From the beginning, Epoque Quartet set out to challenge traditional notions of classical music by incorporating elements of jazz, rock, and other genres into their performances. They also began to experiment with new arrangements of classical pieces, adding their own unique twists and interpretations to well-known works. One of the quartet's early highlights was their performance at the 2000 Prague Spring International Music Festival, where they received critical acclaim for their innovative approach to classical music. This performance helped to establish Epoque Quartet as one of the most exciting and dynamic classical music ensembles in Europe. Over the years, Epoque Quartet has continued to push the boundaries of classical music, collaborating with a wide range of artists and composers from different genres and backgrounds. They have worked with jazz pianist Emil Viklický, rock band Tata Bojs, and electronic musician Floex, among others. In 2005, Epoque Quartet released their debut album, titled "Epoque Quartet," which featured a mix of classical and contemporary pieces. The album received widespread critical acclaim and helped to further establish the quartet's reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting classical music ensembles in the world. Since then, Epoque Quartet has released several more albums, including "Czech it Out!" (2008), which featured arrangements of Czech folk songs, and "Minimalism" (2011), which explored the minimalist music of composers such as Philip Glass and Steve Reich. In addition to their recordings, Epoque Quartet has also performed at some of the world's most prestigious music festivals and venues, including the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Royal Albert Hall in London. One of the quartet's most memorable performances was their collaboration with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra in 2014, where they performed a new arrangement of Antonín Dvořák's "New World Symphony." The performance was hailed as a triumph, with critics praising the quartet's ability to bring a fresh perspective to a beloved classical work. Epoque Quartet has also received numerous awards and accolades for their contributions to classical music. In 2003, they were awarded the Czech Music Critics' Award for Best Chamber Ensemble, and in 2010, they received the Anděl Award for Best Classical Album for "Minimalism." Despite their success, Epoque Quartet remains committed to exploring new musical frontiers and pushing the boundaries of classical music. They continue to collaborate with a diverse range of artists and composers, and their performances and recordings continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

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