Zehetmair Quartett

The Zehetmair Quartett, founded in 1994 by Austrian violinist and conductor Thomas Zehetmair, is recognized as one of the world’s finest string quartets. Renowned for their intellectually refined interpretations and pristine approach, the quartet performs entirely from memory, which lends their music a fresh, improvisatory quality. Their repertoire spans well-known classics as well as challenging contemporary works, and they have premiered pieces like Heinz Holliger’s String Quartet No. 2. The group members—Thomas Zehetmair and Jakub Jakowicz on violins, Ruth Killius on viola, and Christian Elliott on cello—are celebrated for their exceptional technical mastery and expressive depth.

Their discography, especially on the ECM label, has won significant acclaim, including recognition for their recordings of Schumann’s string quartets as *Gramophone Record of the Year*, and praised renditions of Bartók, Hindemith, Hartmann, Beethoven, and Brahms. They frequently perform in prestigious venues and festivals throughout Europe and beyond, highlighting their reputation for intense and deeply felt performances that combine authenticity with remarkable expressiveness.

Genres

Chamber Music

String Quartet

Avant-garde

Classical

Contemporary Classical

Romantic Era

Experimental Classical

Latest Release

Brahms: String Quartets, Op. 51 Nos. 1 & 2

Johannes Brahms•

Zehetmair Quartett

Album - 8 Tracks - Released October 17, 2025