Press releases

Munich, 19 March 2012

The foundation of the Association of German String Quartets (VDSQ, Verband Deutscher Streichquartette e.V.) is publicly announced. The founding members are the Auryn, Diogenes, Henschel, Klenke, Kuss, Leipzig, Mandelring, Minguet und Vogler Quartets. The VDSQ is the first association of string quartet ensembles in the world. It serves string quartets that are based in Germany, providing them with a professional association and representing their interests in the wider public.

The VDSQ monitors what is happening in the industry and aims to generate new ideas and momentum.  It strives to maintain Germany’s unique string quartet and chamber music landscape, and works to secure better working conditions in Germany. The VDSQ’s main mission is to help full-time string quartets and other musicians looking to pursue a professional career in a string quartet.

In close cooperation with the Bavarian Music Board and the RKM (Rektorenkonferenz der deutschen Musikhochschulen – Conference of Principals of German Music Conservatories), the VDSQ seeks to build up and expand the opportunities available in the form of residencies for ensembles in Germany. “Quartets-in-Residence” have a long tradition in English-speaking countries, where they form a fundamental pillar of the string quartet landscape. Germany likewise needs to provide opportunities for professional string quartets to earn a basic living by being incorporated into the teaching activities at a given faculty on a part-time basis. Such an arrangement simultaneously benefits the music faculty, the specific location and the federal state, with the ensemble functioning as a cultural ambassador for them.

The following Committee is responsible for the VDSQ: Monika Henschel (Chairman), Matthias Moosdorf (Vice-Chairman), Bernhard Schmidt (Vice-Chairman), Ernst Gülpen (Vice-Chairman), and Dr. Wolfgang Gärtner (Treasurer).

Contact and further information:

Association of German String Quartets
Kreuzdornweg 9
81547 München
Germany

Tel. +49 (0) 89. 538 19 322
www.vdsq.de