Utopia String Quartet I

Sonar Quartett
© Piotr Bialoglowicz
Past Dates
The string quartet: a genre of Western art music steeped in tradition and endowed with a very specific history. From its early stages, it was seen as a reflection of the spirit of enlightenment, as a musical representation of a society of emancipated individuals: four musicians with equal rights. Each of them in turn a soloist or an accompanist. A democratic formation, as it were. A small utopia?
On the occasion of its 10th anniversary, the Sonar Quartett will investigate the concept of “utopia”, exploring its current social relevance and the contingencies for application and interpretation it has to offer to the field of music.
Helmut Lachenmann
Gran Torso (1971/76/88)
Wolfgang Rihm
8. Streichquartett (1987/88)
Afterwards in the Studio-Foyer:
“Utopia String Quartet”
Rainer Nonnenmann and Jörg Mainka discussing with guests
Sonar Quartett
Susanne Zapf, violin
Wojciech Garbowski, violin
Nikolaus Schlierf, viola
Cosima Gerhardt, cello