Country

:

Czech Republic

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Stamic Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over three decades. The quartet was founded in 1985 in Prague, Czech Republic, by four talented musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. The founding members of the quartet were Jindřich Pazdera (violin), Josef Kekula (violin), Jan Pěruška (viola), and Vladimír Leixner (cello). The quartet was named after the Stamic family, who were a prominent musical dynasty in the 18th century. The Stamic family produced several notable composers and performers, including Johann Wenzel Anton Stamitz, who is considered one of the pioneers of the symphony. The Stamic Quartet quickly gained recognition for their exceptional musicianship and their ability to bring out the nuances and complexities of chamber music. They have performed extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and North America, and have collaborated with some of the most renowned musicians in the world. The quartet has recorded over 30 albums, which have received critical acclaim and numerous awards. Their recordings have been released by major record labels such as Supraphon, Naxos, and Panton. The quartet has also been featured on several radio and television programs, including the BBC, Radio France, and Czech Radio. The Stamic Quartet has won numerous awards and accolades throughout their career. In 1990, they won the International String Quartet Competition in Evian, France, which launched their international career. They have also won the Czech Chamber Music Society Award, the Classic Prague Award, and the Czech Music Critics' Award. The quartet has performed at some of the most prestigious music festivals in the world, including the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh Festival, and the Prague Spring Festival. They have also performed at major concert halls such as the Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Musikverein in Vienna. One of the highlights of the quartet's career was their performance of the complete cycle of Beethoven's string quartets at the Prague Spring Festival in 2005. The cycle was performed over six concerts and was hailed as a landmark achievement in the quartet's career. The quartet has also recorded the complete cycle of Beethoven's string quartets, which has been praised for its depth and sensitivity. The Stamic Quartet has also been recognized for their commitment to promoting contemporary music. They have premiered several works by Czech and international composers, including Pavel Haas, Erwin Schulhoff, and Peteris Vasks. The quartet has also collaborated with contemporary composers such as Krzysztof Penderecki and Sofia Gubaidulina. The quartet has undergone some changes in its membership over the years. In 2002, Jindřich Pazdera left the quartet and was replaced by Petr Maceček. In 2012, Josef Kekula retired from the quartet and was replaced by František Souček. The current members of the quartet are Petr Maceček (violin), František Souček (violin), Jan Pěruška (viola), and Vladimír Leixner (cello). Despite these changes, the quartet has maintained its high standards of musicianship and continues to be one of the most respected and admired chamber music ensembles in the world. They have inspired generations of musicians and music lovers with their passion for chamber music and their commitment to excellence.

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