The Badke Quartet is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2002. The quartet is made up of four members: violinists Emma Parker and Jon Thorne, violist Oscar Perks, and cellist Jonathan Byers. The quartet has gained a reputation for their dynamic performances and their ability to bring new life to classical music. The Badke Quartet was founded while the members were studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London. The quartet takes its name from the Badke Building, which is where the quartet first rehearsed. The quartet quickly gained recognition for their talent and was awarded the Royal Academy of Music’s prestigious Chamber Music Fellowship in 2004. Since then, the Badke Quartet has gone on to perform at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including the Wigmore Hall, the Royal Festival Hall, and the Berlin Philharmonic. The quartet has also performed at numerous music festivals, including the Cheltenham Music Festival, the Bath International Music Festival, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. One of the highlights of the Badke Quartet’s career was their performance at the BBC Proms in 2007. The quartet performed Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 13 in B-flat major, Op. 130, which was met with critical acclaim. The quartet has also performed with some of the world’s most renowned musicians, including pianist Stephen Hough and clarinetist Michael Collins. The Badke Quartet has also been recognized for their recordings. In 2009, the quartet released their debut album, featuring works by Haydn, Beethoven, and Mendelssohn. The album was met with critical acclaim and was nominated for a Gramophone Award. The quartet has since released several more albums, including a recording of Schubert’s String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, “Death and the Maiden,” which was also nominated for a Gramophone Award. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Badke Quartet is also committed to education and outreach. The quartet has worked with numerous schools and community organizations to bring classical music to a wider audience. The quartet has also held masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, helping to inspire the next generation of classical musicians. The Badke Quartet has received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career. In addition to their Chamber Music Fellowship from the Royal Academy of Music, the quartet has been awarded the Park Lane Group Young Artists Award and the Tunnell Trust Award. The quartet has also been recognized by the Royal Philharmonic Society, receiving the RPS Music Award for Chamber Music and Song in 2014. Overall, the Badke Quartet is a dynamic and talented ensemble that has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. With their commitment to performance, recording, and education, the quartet has become one of the most respected and admired ensembles in the world.

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