Quatuor Ébène

Right from the very first introductory bars we know exactly who they are! The French Quatuor Ebène is a quartet of exceptional quality. It is so rare to be drawn into the musical narrative in such a way. This quartet plays with complete control of sound and phrasing and at the same time exudes a natural elegance. In 2004 the Quatuor Ebène won first prize and the five special prizes at the prestigious ARD Wettbewerb in Munich. Along with the Emerson, Hagen and Arcanto Quartets, it has been invited to participate in the Haydn cycle that will take place at the Wigmore Hall in London and the Bozar in Brussels in the 2008-9 season. But you can already sample the Quatuor Ebène in deSingel. Their programme alone illustrates the open-mindedness of the four musicians and includes Haydn, Brahms and Bartók, each played with the appropriate attention to style. Chances are the Quatuor Ebène might venture into newer territory and throw in a bit of Jazz or even an encore.