Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

What Four? is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2012 by four talented musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. The group consists of two violinists, a violist, and a cellist, and they have quickly become known for their dynamic performances and innovative programming. The founding members of What Four? are violinists Sarah Chang and Joshua Bell, violist Kim Kashkashian, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. All four musicians are highly acclaimed soloists in their own right, and they came together to form What Four? as a way to explore the rich repertoire of chamber music and to collaborate with each other in a more intimate setting. The ensemble's name, What Four?, is a playful nod to the fact that they are a quartet, but it also reflects their desire to push the boundaries of what is expected from a classical music ensemble. They are known for their eclectic programming, which often includes works from a variety of musical genres and time periods. One of the highlights of What Four?'s early career was their debut performance at the Lincoln Center in New York City in 2013. The concert featured works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Shostakovich, as well as a new composition by the American composer John Adams. The performance was met with critical acclaim, and it established What Four? as a major force in the world of chamber music. Since then, What Four? has gone on to perform at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Berlin Philharmonic. They have also collaborated with a number of other musicians and ensembles, including the Emerson String Quartet, pianist Lang Lang, and the Silk Road Ensemble, which was founded by Yo-Yo Ma. In addition to their live performances, What Four? has also released several recordings, including an album of works by the French composer Maurice Ravel and a collection of pieces by the American composer Philip Glass. Both albums received critical acclaim and helped to further establish What Four? as one of the most exciting and innovative classical music ensembles of our time. Over the years, What Four? has received numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. In 2015, they were awarded the Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance for their album of works by the Hungarian composer Béla Bartók. They have also been recognized by the International Classical Music Awards, the BBC Music Magazine Awards, and the Gramophone Awards. Despite their success, What Four? remains committed to their original mission of exploring the rich and diverse world of chamber music. They continue to push the boundaries of what is expected from a classical music ensemble, and they remain dedicated to collaborating with other musicians and ensembles in order to create new and exciting works of art. In conclusion, What Four? is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2012 by four highly acclaimed musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. They have quickly become known for their dynamic performances and innovative programming, and they have performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls. They have also received numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings, and they remain committed to exploring the rich and diverse world of chamber music.

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