The Callino Quartet is a classical music ensemble that has gained international recognition for its exceptional performances and recordings. The quartet was founded in 1999 by four young musicians who shared a passion for chamber music and a desire to explore the rich repertoire of string quartets. The founding members of the Callino Quartet were Rebecca Jones (violin), Sarah Sexton (violin), Louise Williams (viola), and Sarah McMahon (cello). All four musicians had already established themselves as talented performers and had studied at prestigious music schools such as the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music. The quartet took its name from the Callino Castles, a group of ruined fortresses in Ireland that were once used as a meeting place for musicians and poets. The name reflects the quartet's commitment to exploring the rich cultural heritage of Ireland and its music. From the outset, the Callino Quartet was determined to establish itself as a leading ensemble in the world of chamber music. The quartet's early performances were marked by their energy, precision, and musicality, and they quickly gained a reputation for their innovative programming and adventurous approach to repertoire. One of the highlights of the Callino Quartet's early career was their performance at the Wigmore Hall in London in 2001. The quartet's performance of Beethoven's String Quartet No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 131 was widely praised for its intensity and emotional depth. The quartet's performance was also broadcast on BBC Radio 3, further raising their profile and reputation. In 2002, the Callino Quartet won the prestigious Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award, which provides financial support and career development opportunities for young musicians. The award helped to fund the quartet's recording of the complete string quartets of Béla Bartók, which was released to critical acclaim in 2004. The Callino Quartet's recording of the Bartók quartets was praised for its technical brilliance and emotional intensity, and it helped to establish the quartet as one of the leading ensembles in the world of chamber music. The quartet's recording was also nominated for a Grammy Award in 2005, further cementing their reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative ensembles of their generation. In addition to their recordings, the Callino Quartet has also gained a reputation for their live performances. The quartet has performed at many of the world's leading concert halls, including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Berlin Philharmonic, and Carnegie Hall in New York. One of the highlights of the Callino Quartet's live performances was their performance of the complete Beethoven string quartets at the Wigmore Hall in London in 2012. The quartet's performance was praised for its technical brilliance and emotional depth, and it was hailed as one of the most memorable performances of the year. The Callino Quartet has also been committed to promoting new music and working with contemporary composers. The quartet has commissioned and premiered works by many leading composers, including Mark-Anthony Turnage, Sally Beamish, and Kevin Volans. One of the highlights of the Callino Quartet's work with contemporary composers was their collaboration with the Irish composer Donnacha Dennehy. The quartet premiered Dennehy's string quartet "Pushpulling" in 2007, and the work was later recorded and released on the Nonesuch label.

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