Music in Fermanagh
November 2022
November 2022
“Polished and professional group… full of exuberance and with a fine sense of ensemble… real sensitivity…” - The Strad / Wigmore Hall
Formed in 1995 in Bucharest, ConTempo Quartet is recognised as one of the most exciting and vibrant chamber ensembles performing today. The quartet was chosen as Galway Music Residency’s Ensemble in Residence in 2003 and continues to captivate audiences throughout the city and county with its repertoire of classical, contemporary, folk and traditional music.
Following a competitive international audition process, ConTempo Quartet was chosen as GMR’s Ensemble in Residence. This young and vibrant quartet, comprised of two married couples, had formed in Bucharest Romania while studying performance, and already had an impressive career of performances, recordings and awards under its belt. Despite an extremely high standard of applications, this quartet had, as well as its unparalleled musical talent, a spark that made the selection panel believe they were going to bring something truly special to the people of Galway.
Ever since ConTempo Quartet took up its residency in 2003, this has remained true to form, and the quartet is committed to continuing this residency for as long as it can make a positive impact on the lives of its adopted community. This unique partnership over such a long period, has enabled the GMR with ConTempo Quartet to develop long-lasting relationships with individuals, communities, artists and organisations, and to create profound connections throughout the city and county. Focused on performance and education programmes, over the past 16 years GMR with ConTempo Quartet has developed countless opportunities for the people of Galway to engage with music in a meaningful way regardless of their age or circumstance.
The quartet has won a record 14 International prizes in competitions, including 1st Prize at GrosserForderpreise Competition in Munich-Germany, 1st Prize at Valentino Bucchi competition in Rome-Italy, 1st Prize at Tunnel Trust Competition in London-UK, 1st Prize at Mozart competition in Romania, 2nd Prize at Johannes Brahms International Competition in Hamburg-Germany, Audience Prize and 3rd Prize at London String Quartet Competition in UK, 3rd Prize at Schubert und die Musik der Moderne Competition in Graz-Austria, 3rd Prize at Max Reger Competition in Weimar-Germany, The Wigmore Award-London and The Romanian Musical Critics Union Prize in Bucharest.
In 2013 ConTempo Quartet was appointed RTÉ’s Quartet in Residence and in 2016 the members of the quartet were awarded Honorary Doctorates in Music from University of Galway for their service to Galway in the areas of music performance and education.