Biography
Near the close of the twentieth century, the Jerusalem Quartet surfaced among the foremost string quartets of its era, noted for exceptional talent, relentless activity, and widespread demand. Observers frequently express amazement at the ensemble's capacity to sustain and broaden an extensive repertoire amid its demanding performance calendar. Blending compositions across eras—from Classical staples to contemporary pieces like Carl Vine's String Quintet—constitutes a hallmark of their programming. Performances have graced premier halls worldwide, spanning New York, Paris, Sydney, and various Israeli locales. The second installment in their Bartók string quartets series appeared in 2020.
Established in 1993, the ensemble initially comprised violinists Alexander Pavlovsky and Sergei Bresler, violist Amichai Grosz, and cellist Kyril Zlotnikov. Ori Kam succeeded Grosz in 2010 upon the latter's appointment as principal violist with the Berlin Philharmonic. Refinement of their artistry occurred through guidance from violinist Avi Abramovich, preceding their 1996 debut. Recognition arrived swiftly in the mid-1990s: the Jerusalem Academy bestowed first prize for chamber music that year. Two awards followed at the Graz International Competition in 1997. Participation in BBC Radio 3's New Generation Artists scheme spanned 1999 to 2001. Initial recordings emerged in 2002, encompassing Beethoven, Ravel, and Dvorák quartets via Live Classics, alongside Tchaikovsky's First and Shostakovich's Third on EMI.
Following a 2003 hiatus, a packed itinerary resumed, encompassing Australian and New Zealand tours. A fresh agreement with Harmonia Mundi materialized, yielding a critically praised 2004 album of Haydn quartets. The Sydney-based Musica Viva Australia appointed the group quartet-in-residence from 2006 through 2009. Multiple triumphant Australian tours occurred in this timeframe, highlighted by 2008 engagements in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Regular circuits through North America and Europe persist, complemented by appearances at festivals such as Ravinia, Salzburg, and Verbier.
A second Haydn quartets volume in 2009 secured a second BBC Music Magazine chamber music award; the third arrived in 2012 for Mozart string quartets. The Yiddish program, delving into pre-World War II Polish Jewish popular music, debuted in 2018. Vocalist Hila Baggio participated, and select pieces informed the 2019 release The Yiddish Cabaret. The Bartók cycle's second volume followed in 2020.
Established in 1993, the ensemble initially comprised violinists Alexander Pavlovsky and Sergei Bresler, violist Amichai Grosz, and cellist Kyril Zlotnikov. Ori Kam succeeded Grosz in 2010 upon the latter's appointment as principal violist with the Berlin Philharmonic. Refinement of their artistry occurred through guidance from violinist Avi Abramovich, preceding their 1996 debut. Recognition arrived swiftly in the mid-1990s: the Jerusalem Academy bestowed first prize for chamber music that year. Two awards followed at the Graz International Competition in 1997. Participation in BBC Radio 3's New Generation Artists scheme spanned 1999 to 2001. Initial recordings emerged in 2002, encompassing Beethoven, Ravel, and Dvorák quartets via Live Classics, alongside Tchaikovsky's First and Shostakovich's Third on EMI.
Following a 2003 hiatus, a packed itinerary resumed, encompassing Australian and New Zealand tours. A fresh agreement with Harmonia Mundi materialized, yielding a critically praised 2004 album of Haydn quartets. The Sydney-based Musica Viva Australia appointed the group quartet-in-residence from 2006 through 2009. Multiple triumphant Australian tours occurred in this timeframe, highlighted by 2008 engagements in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Regular circuits through North America and Europe persist, complemented by appearances at festivals such as Ravinia, Salzburg, and Verbier.
A second Haydn quartets volume in 2009 secured a second BBC Music Magazine chamber music award; the third arrived in 2012 for Mozart string quartets. The Yiddish program, delving into pre-World War II Polish Jewish popular music, debuted in 2018. Vocalist Hila Baggio participated, and select pieces informed the 2019 release The Yiddish Cabaret. The Bartók cycle's second volume followed in 2020.
Albums
