Country

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Belgium

Genre

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Chamber

 

The Pro Arte String Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over a century. Founded in 1911, the quartet has become one of the most celebrated and respected chamber music groups in the world. The Pro Arte String Quartet was founded in Brussels, Belgium, by four young musicians who were studying at the Brussels Conservatory. The original members of the quartet were Alphonse Onnou (violin), Laurent Halleux (violin), Germain Prévost (viola), and Robert Maas (cello). The quartet quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional musicianship and innovative approach to chamber music. In 1914, the Pro Arte String Quartet embarked on their first tour of the United States, which was cut short due to the outbreak of World War I. The quartet was stranded in the United States and decided to make it their home. They became the first artists-in-residence at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1940, a position they held until 1989. Over the years, the Pro Arte String Quartet has undergone several personnel changes. The quartet has had a total of 22 members, with the current members being David Perry (violin), Suzanne Beia (violin), Sally Chisholm (viola), and Parry Karp (cello). Despite the changes in personnel, the quartet has maintained its high standards of musicianship and has continued to delight audiences with their performances. The Pro Arte String Quartet has performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Royal Albert Hall. They have also performed at numerous music festivals, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Salzburg Festival, and the Tanglewood Music Festival. One of the highlights of the Pro Arte String Quartet's career was their performance of the complete cycle of Beethoven's string quartets. The quartet performed all 16 of Beethoven's string quartets in a series of concerts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1984. The performances were hailed as a triumph and cemented the quartet's reputation as one of the finest chamber music ensembles in the world. The Pro Arte String Quartet has also been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1950, the quartet was awarded the prestigious Prix de Rome, which is awarded to outstanding musicians and artists. The quartet has also been awarded the National Medal of Arts, which is the highest honor given to artists and arts patrons by the United States government. In addition to their performances, the Pro Arte String Quartet has also made numerous recordings. Their recordings of the complete cycle of Beethoven's string quartets and the complete cycle of Bartók's string quartets are considered to be some of the finest recordings of these works. The Pro Arte String Quartet has had a profound impact on the world of classical music. They have inspired countless musicians and have helped to popularize chamber music around the world. Their commitment to excellence and their innovative approach to chamber music have made them one of the most beloved and respected ensembles in the world.

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