Role

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Ensemble

Genre

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Chamber

 

The Zehetmair Quartett is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences around the world for over three decades. The quartet was founded in 1994 by violinist Thomas Zehetmair, who was joined by fellow musicians Kuba Jakowicz (violin), Ruth Killius (viola), and Ursula Smith (cello). The quartet has since become one of the most respected and sought-after ensembles in the classical music world, known for their exceptional musicianship and innovative programming. Thomas Zehetmair, the quartet's founder and first violinist, was born in Austria in 1961. He began playing the violin at the age of five and went on to study at the Salzburg Mozarteum and the Vienna Academy of Music. He has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious Ernst von Siemens Music Prize in 2008. In addition to his work with the Zehetmair Quartett, he has also performed as a soloist with many of the world's leading orchestras. Kuba Jakowicz, the quartet's second violinist, was born in Poland in 1978. He began playing the violin at the age of six and went on to study at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw. He has won several international competitions and has performed as a soloist with many orchestras in Europe and Asia. Ruth Killius, the quartet's violist, was born in Germany in 1972. She began playing the viola at the age of six and went on to study at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Hanover. She has won several awards and has performed as a soloist with many orchestras in Europe and the United States. Ursula Smith, the quartet's cellist, was born in Scotland in 1966. She began playing the cello at the age of six and went on to study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. She has performed as a soloist with many orchestras in Europe and has also worked as a chamber musician with several other ensembles. The Zehetmair Quartett has performed at many of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Konzerthaus, and the Wigmore Hall in London. They have also appeared at numerous music festivals, including the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the BBC Proms. One of the quartet's most notable performances was their 2004 concert at the Wigmore Hall, where they performed all of Beethoven's string quartets in a single day. The marathon performance was hailed as a triumph by critics and audiences alike, and cemented the quartet's reputation as one of the foremost interpreters of Beethoven's music. The Zehetmair Quartett has also recorded extensively, with over 20 albums to their name. Their recordings have received widespread critical acclaim and have won several awards, including the Gramophone Award for Chamber Music in 2002. In addition to their work as a quartet, the members of the Zehetmair Quartett are also active as soloists and chamber musicians. They have collaborated with many of the world's leading musicians, including pianist András Schiff and cellist Steven Isserlis. Overall, the Zehetmair Quartett is a remarkable ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Their exceptional musicianship, innovative programming, and commitment to excellence have earned them a place among the most respected and admired ensembles of our time.

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