The Steude Quartet is a classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over two decades. The quartet was founded in 1999 by four talented musicians who shared a passion for chamber music and a desire to create a unique sound that would set them apart from other ensembles. The founding members of the Steude Quartet were violinists Frank Steude and Susanne Rabenschlag, violist Andreas Willwohl, and cellist Matthias Diener. All four musicians had extensive experience performing in various orchestras and ensembles before coming together to form the Steude Quartet. The quartet's name is derived from the last name of its founder, Frank Steude, who is also the first violinist of the ensemble. Steude is a highly accomplished musician who has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He has performed as a soloist with many renowned orchestras and has also served as a concertmaster for several ensembles. Susanne Rabenschlag, the second violinist of the quartet, is also a highly skilled musician who has performed with many orchestras and ensembles throughout Europe. She has won several awards for her performances and has also served as a professor of violin at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. Andreas Willwohl, the violist of the quartet, is a versatile musician who has performed in a wide range of musical genres. He has won several awards for his performances and has also served as a professor of viola at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz. Matthias Diener, the cellist of the quartet, is a highly respected musician who has performed with many renowned orchestras and ensembles throughout Europe. He has won several awards for his performances and has also served as a professor of cello at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. The Steude Quartet has performed in many prestigious venues throughout Europe, including the Konzerthaus in Vienna, the Philharmonie in Berlin, and the Wigmore Hall in London. They have also performed at many international music festivals, including the Salzburg Festival, the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, and the Edinburgh International Festival. One of the highlights of the Steude Quartet's career was their performance at the 2004 Salzburg Festival, where they received a standing ovation for their rendition of Beethoven's String Quartet No. 14. The quartet has also received critical acclaim for their recordings, including their 2007 recording of Schubert's String Quartet No. 14, which was praised for its "exquisite playing" and "impeccable musicianship." In addition to their performances and recordings, the Steude Quartet is also committed to music education and outreach. They have conducted masterclasses and workshops for young musicians throughout Europe and have also performed in schools and community centers to promote classical music to a wider audience. The Steude Quartet has received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career, including the prestigious Echo Klassik Award in 2008 for their recording of Schubert's String Quartet No. 14. They have also been nominated for several other awards, including the Gramophone Award and the International Classical Music Award. In conclusion, the Steude Quartet is a highly accomplished classical music ensemble that has captivated audiences with their exceptional performances for over two decades.

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