Sonar Quartett is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1996 in Berlin, Germany. The quartet is made up of four members: Susanne Zapf on violin, Kirstin Maria Pientka on viola, Cosima Gerhardt on cello, and Michael Wendeberg on piano. The quartet has gained international recognition for their innovative and dynamic performances of contemporary classical music. The founding members of Sonar Quartett, Susanne Zapf and Kirstin Maria Pientka, met while studying at the Hanns Eisler Academy of Music in Berlin. They were both interested in exploring new and experimental approaches to classical music, and decided to form a quartet that would focus on contemporary repertoire. They were soon joined by cellist Cosima Gerhardt and pianist Michael Wendeberg, and the quartet began performing together in 1996. Sonar Quartett quickly gained a reputation for their innovative and dynamic performances of contemporary classical music. They have collaborated with many prominent composers, including Helmut Lachenmann, Wolfgang Rihm, and Georg Friedrich Haas, and have premiered numerous works by these and other composers. The quartet has also commissioned new works from emerging composers, and has been instrumental in promoting the work of young and innovative composers. One of the highlights of Sonar Quartett's career was their performance at the 2006 Donaueschingen Festival, one of the most prestigious contemporary music festivals in Europe. The quartet performed a program of works by Helmut Lachenmann, including his String Quartet No. 3 and his Trio for Clarinet, Cello, and Piano. The performance was widely praised for its technical precision and emotional intensity, and cemented Sonar Quartett's reputation as one of the leading ensembles in contemporary classical music. In addition to their performances, Sonar Quartett has also been recognized for their recordings. They have released several albums, including a critically acclaimed recording of Wolfgang Rihm's String Quartets Nos. 1-4. The album was praised for its sensitive and nuanced performances, and was awarded the German Record Critics' Award in 2010. Sonar Quartett has also been recognized for their contributions to contemporary classical music. In 2012, they were awarded the Berlin Art Prize, one of the most prestigious awards for artists in Berlin. The prize recognized the quartet's innovative and groundbreaking performances, and their commitment to promoting new and experimental music. Today, Sonar Quartett continues to be one of the leading ensembles in contemporary classical music. They perform regularly throughout Europe and the United States, and are known for their dynamic and engaging performances. The quartet remains committed to promoting new and innovative music, and to exploring the boundaries of classical music through their performances and collaborations with composers.

More....