The Chaos String Quartet has emerged as one of the most intriguing young ensembles on the European classical music scene, bringing forth performances infused with the thematic exploration of chaos across various disciplines, including science, art, and philosophy. Founded by a group of talented musicians, the quartet has made significant strides, winning several prestigious awards and gaining recognition as BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists for the period of 2023 to 2025.
Comprised of accomplished artists, the quartet features Susanne Schäffer on first violin, who grew up in Waiblingen. The cello is played by Bas Jongen using an instrument crafted by Hendrick Jacobs from Amsterdam dating back to 1696, which is generously loaned from the Dutch Foundation for Musical Instruments (NMF). The ensemble is completed by Eszter Kruchió on the second violin and Sara Marzadori on the viola. Together, they have formed not just a musical group but have turned their performances and expressions of music-making as conduits for philosophical conversation.
The quartet's name, 'Chaos,' reflects their artistic philosophy, embodying the unpredictable and often tumultuous nature of artistic interpretation and creativity. They craft performances structured around the notion of 'Geordnetes Chaos' or 'Ordered Chaos,' which features compositions ranging from the chaos-infused works of Ligeti to the ordered beauty of Bach and Haydn. Their program opens with Haydn's representation of chaos from the oratorio 'Die Schöpfung' (The Creation), characterized by vibrant orchestrations and deep emotional resonance.
Among their notable accolades are multiple prizes at the Bartók World Competition held in Budapest, where they showcased their outstanding talents against fierce competition. They have also won the V. E. Rimbotti String Quartet Competition, which has marked them as one of the most promising quartets of their generation. Their success is not just measured by awards but also by the breadth of their performances across prominent concert series and festivals across Europe, opining deep admiration from audiences and critiques alike.
The quartet's achievements are bolstered by their educational pursuits; they engage actively with mentorship programs such as the ECMAster Program under the guidance of esteemed violinist Johannes Meissl. Their post-graduate studies at the Scuola di Musica di Fiesole under the tutelage of the renowned Cuarteto Casals, along with masterclasses from the likes of the Hagen Quartet, Alban Berg Quartet, and Kuss Quartet, have enriched their artistic visions and skills.
Performance tours and invitations continue to accelerate, as their unique thematic programming and energetic interpretations become increasingly sought after. Critics have remarked on the quartet's ability to convey complex musical narratives with clarity and passion, drawing audiences who appreciate both musical precision and emotional depth.
The concept of chaos is particularly poignant now, as the world grapples with various forms of unpredictability, from societal changes to global challenges. The quartet’s works stir reflections on how beauty can emerge from chaos and often evoke thought-provoking questions about the role of order and disorder within the human experience.
With their inaugural concert of 2025 rapidly approaching, expectations are high. The Chaos String Quartet promises to deliver nothing short of breathtaking performances, showcasing their abilities to navigate the fine line between chaos and structure through their interpretation of classical masterpieces. The ensemble exemplifies not only musical prowess but also intellectual engagement with their audience, ensuring their place within the contemporary classical music narrative.