The Solem Quartet is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2011. The quartet is made up of four members: violinists Amy Tress and William Newell, violist Alistair Vennart, and cellist Stephanie Tress. The quartet has gained recognition for their dynamic performances and innovative programming. The Solem Quartet was formed at the University of Manchester's Royal Northern College of Music, where the members were studying. The quartet was named after the Norwegian violinist and composer Johan Halvorsen's String Quartet No. 4, which is also known as the "Solem Quartet." The quartet's founding members were Amy Tress, William Newell, and Stephanie Tress. Alistair Vennart joined the quartet in 2014, replacing the quartet's original violist, Michael Jones. The Solem Quartet has performed at numerous venues and festivals throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. In 2014, the quartet won the Royal Over-Seas League Ensemble Competition, which led to performances at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Wigmore Hall in London. The quartet has also performed at the Cheltenham Music Festival, the Bath International Music Festival, and the Lake District Summer Music Festival. In addition to their performances, the Solem Quartet is committed to education and outreach. The quartet has worked with young musicians through workshops and masterclasses, and has also performed in schools and community centers. The quartet has also collaborated with other artists, including the contemporary dance company Rambert and the jazz pianist Gwilym Simcock. The Solem Quartet has received numerous awards and accolades for their performances. In addition to their Royal Over-Seas League Ensemble Competition win, the quartet was also a finalist in the 2016 Royal Philharmonic Society Awards. The quartet's debut album, "Dvořák: String Quartets Nos. 10 and 13," was released in 2017 and received critical acclaim. The album was named "Editor's Choice" by Gramophone magazine and was praised for the quartet's "impressive technical control and musical sensitivity." The Solem Quartet's repertoire includes works by classical composers such as Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, as well as contemporary composers such as Philip Glass and John Adams. The quartet is known for their innovative programming, which often includes lesser-known works alongside more familiar pieces. The quartet's performances are characterized by their energy and passion, as well as their attention to detail and musical nuance. In conclusion, the Solem Quartet is a dynamic and innovative classical music ensemble that has gained recognition for their performances and programming. The quartet's founding members, Amy Tress, William Newell, and Stephanie Tress, were joined by Alistair Vennart in 2014. The quartet has performed at numerous venues and festivals throughout the United Kingdom and Europe, and has received awards and accolades for their performances. The quartet is committed to education and outreach, and has collaborated with other artists in addition to their performances. The Solem Quartet's repertoire includes works by classical and contemporary composers, and their performances are characterized by their energy and passion.

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