Chiaroscuro Quartet Malen, zeichnen, sprechen

vision string quartet Quartett Reloaded

The vision string quartet masterfully blends classical fidelity with experimental band energy. Their fresh approach to string quartet masterpieces has propelled them to international acclaim. Their "Vision" also includes broadening their stylistic horizons, integrating pop, jazz, and original compositions. Schostakovich's eighth quartet harmoniously coexists with the quartet's own works from their album "Spectrum".

Gringolts Quartet. Lily Francis Alle Mozart-Streichquintette I

Musicologist Martin Geck praised Mozart's string quintets, noting how a second viola opens a new world of chamber music. Mozart's first quintet, KV 174, was composed in Salzburg in 1773, crowning his early chamber music creations. His C-major Quintet KV 515, written 14 years later, is his longest four-movement instrumental piece. It's a bright work that reflects “Figaro” and anticipates the “Jupiter” Symphony. A pre-concert talk with Marcus Imbsweiler takes place at 2:30 pm in the Old University Auditorium.

Gringolts Quartet. Lily Francis Alle Mozart-Streichquintette II

In April 1788, Mozart advertised three new quintets in the Wiener Zeitung. Among them was the wind serenade KV 388, adapted for string quintet, alongside KV 515 and KV 516. This work, KV 388, is not a light-hearted piece, but a serious "Nachtmusique". The G minor quintet also carries intense emotions and tension. However, it concludes with a lively final rondo. A pre-concert talk will be given by Marcus Imbsweiler.

Gringolts Quartet. Lily Francis Alle Mozart-Streichquintette III

Mozart's String Quintet in D major, K. 593, premiered in December 1790 at a chamber music evening in Mozart's Vienna apartment, attended by Joseph Haydn, who embarked on his first London journey the next day. It was to be the last encounter between the two friends, as Mozart had only one year to live. The two late string quintets—K. 614 was written in April 1791 as his last completed chamber music work for strings—also form a kind of farewell with Haydn allusions and melancholic touches. At the same time, however, they contain playful music that, with its harmonic and melodic richness, contrasts, and profoundness, points to the future.

Mozart Pass Gringolts Quartet. Lily Francis Alle Mozart-Streichquintette I-III

For Mozart connoisseurs, it's clear: his most significant chamber music works aren't his 23 string quartets, but his six string quintets. These quintets reached an unmatched peak, admired even by later composers like Schubert and Brahms. The Gringolts Quartet, joined by violist Lily Francis, performs these works in three consecutive historically informed concerts, using gut strings tuned to 440 Hz. Pre-concert talks are available. This event offers a pass for all three concerts with a discount.

Barbican Quartet

The Barbican Quartet was founded in 2015, and is taught and supported by string quartet stars like Günter Picheler and the Quatuor Ébène. The four musicians present works by Alban Berg and Beethoven as part of the »Teatime Classics« series. 2022 was a memorable year for the Barbican Quartet: they won first prize and other special prizes at the ARD Music Competition, as well as a third prize at the Bordeaux International String Quartet Competition. The ensemble had only just found a new second violinist, and thus a new sound and style of ensemble playing, in February 2022. The Barbican Quartet has appeared at many international festivals, and has been broadcast on the radio several times. In the 2022/23 season, they produced and released their first CD. An extensive tour will take them to different parts of Europe, to Canada and the USA.

Critics’ Quartet

Moderated by Olaf Wilhelmer, four critics will once again discuss a central work this year: in 2024 it will be Aaron Copland’s 3rd Symphony.The “Critics’ Quartet” takes place instead of the usual introduction to the concert with the Kansas City Symphony conducted by Matthias Pintscher.

Belcea Quartet

Takács Quartet

Beethoven's quartets dedicated to the Russian ambassador in Vienna, Count Razumovsky, are some of his most famous. The first of the three is majestic in its scope, filled with both carefree melodies and tension-filled contrasts.When it comes to string quartets, Joseph Haydn was a role model and important source of inspiration for Beethoven, and there's a musical thread from Haydn's C major quartet to Beethoven's Razumovsky quartets.The ensemble tackling this music, the Takács Quartet, was founded in Hungary but is now based in the USA. They are known for their brilliant playing and innovative programs. They often collaborate with writers and artists, and at several concerts, the actress Meryl Streep has participated.The Takács Quartet also commissions music. One such initiative is the beautifully flowing Flow by American composer Nokuthula Ngwenyama, who has looked out towards space and drawn inspiration from the Big Bang and the expansion of the universe.