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The Rastrelli Cello Quartet is a classical music ensemble that has gained international recognition for its unique and innovative approach to chamber music. The quartet is composed of four cellists: Kira Kraftzoff, Misha Degtjareff, Sergio Drabkin, and Kirill Timofeev. The ensemble was founded in 2002 in St. Petersburg, Russia, and has since become one of the most sought-after cello quartets in the world. The quartet's founding members, Kira Kraftzoff and Misha Degtjareff, met while studying at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. They shared a passion for chamber music and decided to form a cello quartet. They were soon joined by Sergio Drabkin and Kirill Timofeev, both of whom were also studying at the conservatory. The quartet's name, Rastrelli, is a tribute to the famous Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who designed many of the beautiful buildings in St. Petersburg. The Rastrelli Cello Quartet quickly gained a reputation for their virtuosic playing and innovative programming. They began performing in St. Petersburg and soon expanded their reach to other cities in Russia and Europe. In 2004, they made their debut in the United States, performing at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The quartet's performance was met with critical acclaim, and they were invited to perform at other prestigious venues in the U.S., including Carnegie Hall in New York City. Since then, the Rastrelli Cello Quartet has performed all over the world, including in Europe, Asia, and South America. They have collaborated with many renowned musicians, including pianist Menahem Pressler and violinist Vadim Repin. The quartet has also recorded several albums, including "Cello in Classic" and "Cello in Jazz," which showcase their versatility and range. One of the highlights of the Rastrelli Cello Quartet's career was their performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. They were invited to perform at the closing ceremony, where they played a medley of Chinese and Western classical music. The quartet's performance was seen by millions of people around the world and helped to raise their profile even further. The Rastrelli Cello Quartet has received numerous awards and accolades for their performances and recordings. In 2006, they won the Grand Prix at the International Chamber Music Competition in Italy. They have also been awarded the prestigious Diapason d'Or award for their recordings. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Rastrelli Cello Quartet is committed to music education. They regularly give masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and they have established a cello festival in St. Petersburg that brings together cellists from around the world. The Rastrelli Cello Quartet's unique approach to chamber music has made them one of the most exciting and innovative ensembles in the classical music world. Their virtuosic playing, innovative programming, and commitment to music education have earned them a devoted following and numerous awards and accolades. As they continue to perform and record, the Rastrelli Cello Quartet is sure to remain a major force in the world of classical music.

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