Mercury Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over two decades. The quartet was founded in 1998 by four talented musicians, clarinetist Simon Haram, saxophonist Timothy Holmes, pianist Daniel Pailthorpe, and percussionist Alasdair Malloy. The ensemble has since become one of the most sought-after chamber music groups in the world, known for their innovative programming and virtuosic performances. The founding members of Mercury Quartet are all accomplished musicians in their own right, with extensive experience performing with some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles. Simon Haram is a highly regarded clarinetist who has performed with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, among others. Timothy Holmes is an acclaimed saxophonist who has performed with the London Sinfonietta, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Daniel Pailthorpe is a renowned pianist who has performed with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Alasdair Malloy is a versatile percussionist who has performed with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, as well as with pop and rock bands such as The Who and Pink Floyd. Mercury Quartet's repertoire is diverse and eclectic, ranging from classical works by Mozart and Beethoven to contemporary pieces by living composers such as Steve Reich and John Adams. The quartet is known for their innovative programming, often combining classical works with jazz, world music, and electronic music to create unique and exciting performances. Their performances are characterized by their technical precision, expressive playing, and dynamic stage presence. Over the years, Mercury Quartet has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals, including the Royal Albert Hall, the Barbican Centre, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the BBC Proms. They have also collaborated with some of the world's leading musicians and ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. One of the highlights of Mercury Quartet's career was their performance at the 2002 BBC Proms, where they premiered a new work by British composer Mark-Anthony Turnage. The piece, titled "A Prayer Out of Stillness," was written specifically for the quartet and showcased their virtuosic playing and expressive interpretation. The performance was met with critical acclaim, with The Guardian describing it as "a stunning display of virtuosity and musicality." Mercury Quartet has also been recognized for their outstanding contributions to classical music, receiving numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2003, they were awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Chamber Music Award, one of the most prestigious awards in classical music. The award recognized the quartet's "outstanding contribution to the chamber music repertoire and their innovative programming." They have also been nominated for several Grammy Awards for their recordings, including their album "The Complete Works of Steve Reich," which was nominated for Best Chamber Music Performance in 2012.

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