Germany's burgeoning classical music scene is witnessing remarkable performances by the Chaos String Quartet, known for merging the realms of science, art, and philosophy through their innovative interpretations. This young ensemble has been busy captivating audiences across Europe, all the way from intimate concert halls to grand festival stages.
The quartet boasts talented musicians: Susanne Schäffer, who grew up in Waiblingen, plays first violin; Bas Jongen plays cello on a historic instrument built by Hendrick Jacobs in Amsterdam during 1696; Eszter Kruchió fills the second violin role, and Sara Marzadori plays viola, bringing depth and richness to their sound.
Recently acclaimed for their achievements, the Chaos String Quartet has received several awards, including multiple accolades at the Bartók World Competition held in Budapest. They also secured victory at the V. E. Rimbotti String Quartet Competition in 2021, paving their way to recognition on international stages.
For the next term from 2023 to 2025, the quartet has been named BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists, marking another significant milestone. This honor recognizes not only their current talents but also their potential for continued growth and influence within the classical music community.
The ensemble's repertoire, aptly titled 'Geordnetes Chaos' (Ordered Chaos), combines the foundational work of Joseph Haydn with contemporary compositions. Their program opens with Haydn's creation, which resonates as they explore chaos through music, often reflecting the unpredictability of life itself.
Throughout their concerts, attendees can experience pieces by illustrious composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, György Ligeti, Jean-Philippe Rameau, and Ludwig van Beethoven. Each performance is curated to highlight contrasting styles, creating dynamic auditory experiences cherished by both long-time classical followers and newer audiences alike.
The quartet's growth has been nurtured through auspicious collaborations with notable mentors. Among these, Johannes Meissl has played a pivotal role as part of their training through the ECMAster program. The quartet also extends learning beyond conventional traditions through post-graduate studies at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole with the celebrated Cuarteto Casals. Complementary to their studies, they participate in masterclasses with luminaries from other esteemed quartets, including the Hagen, Alban Berg, and Kuss Quartets.
The Chaos String Quartet's commitment to musical excellence is supported through various sponsorships, including the New Austrian Sound of Music program, empowering them to continue their artistic endeavors and outreach.
Having traversed Germany for their concerts, the quartet's engagements not only enrich local cultural landscapes but also inspire newer generations of musicians and listeners. Each performance serves as testimony to both traditional roots and stylistic innovation, inviting all music lovers to reflect on the chaos and order inherent within the art of string quartet performances.
Upcoming concerts promise to deliver not just music but experiential journeys through the very fabric of sound, inviting everyone to join the ensemble on this extraordinary musical adventure across Germany.