ARON STRING QUARTET (Austria)

Ludwig Müller, violin
Barna Kobori, violin
Georg Hamann, viola
Christophe Pantillon, violoncello

guest: Yui Futaedo, soprano

Programme:
Arnold Schönberg (1874–1951), String Quartet No. 2, Op.10
Bedřich Smetana (1824–1884), String Quartet No. 1 in E Minor “From my Life”

The programme is entirely dedicated to Schönberg’s 150th and Smetana’s 200th anniversary.

Eminent Viennese string quartet Aron is one of the topmost ensembles specialising in the Second Viennese School, which was why they were invited to organize their own cycle of 18th, 19th and 20th century compositions as the quartet in residence at the Arnold Schoenberg Center in Vienna. Therefore it is no surprise that their programme will mark the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Schönberg’s as well as the 200th anniversary of Smetana’s birth.

Their discography includes string quartets by Franz Schubert (Preiser Records 90549) and Arnold Schoenberg’s complete works for string quartet (Preiser Records 90572), which won the Pasticcio Prize. The international press acclaimed this album as one of the best recordings of 20th century chamber music. The outstanding interpretation and technical excellence of these recordings not only demonstrate Aron Quartet’s exceptional competence but also set new standards.
Their international acclaim is manifest in their many appearances at the world’s top events and renowned festivals, such as Alban Berg quartet’s cycle at the Vienna Konzerthaus, Viennese Festival Weeks, international String Quartet Festival in Prague, Biennale di Venezia, Schoenberg Festival, “Klangbogen” Festival, Cervantino Festival, Kuhmo Festival, Stresa Festival, Enescu Festival Berlin, Carinthischer Sommer etc. Esteemed venues at which the ensemble performed include Carnegie Hall in New York, London’s Wigmore Hall, the Tchaikovsky Conservatoire in Moscow, several appearances at the Vienna Musikverein the Opéra Bastille in Paris. The quartet also founded the Laudon Castle Chamber Music Festival.

Internationally acclaimed operatic and oratorio singer and École Normale de Musique de Paris scholarship recipient Yui Futaedo won several international competitions. She was a laureate of the International art song competition of Gordes and the International French Mélodies competition of Toulouse, won first prize at the Parempuyre International Music Competition, third prize at the International Competition of Beziers and International Competition of Basel. Her performance at the Opéra Théâtre Clermont-Ferrand in France was praised by critics.