Girolamo Bottiglieri, first violin
Raya Raytcheva, second violin
Caroline Cohen-Adad, viola
Florestan Darbellay, cello
The Terpsycordes Quartet redefines the connection between a musical ensemble and its audience. It invents new ways to experience a concert of chamber music and is committed to reaching underprivileged as well as young audiences, in order to share its art with as many people as possible.
The Terpsycordes Quartet is the story of a friendship going back over 25 years. Formed in Geneva in 1997, guided by the artistic vision of Gábor Takács-Nagy and nurtured by the teachings of members of the Amadeus, Budapest, Hagen, Lasalle and Mosaïques quartets, the Terpsycordes Quartet quickly made its mark on the musical scene, notably winning First Prize at the Geneva Competition in 2001, as well as other international competitions (Weimar, Graz, Trapani). Encounters with major 20th century composers such as György Kurtág and Sofia Gubaidulina, as well as personalities from the world of baroque music, including Gabriel Garrido, Chiara Banchini, Florence Malgoire and Leonardo García Alarcón, have contributed to defining and refining the quartet’s aesthetic evolution. Members of the Quartet continue to play regularly with various other ensembles such as the Geneva Chamber Orchestra, Cappella Mediterranea, Gli Angeli Genève, Contrechamps, l’Armée des Romantiques or Elyma. This wealth of experience has enabled the Terpsycordes Quartet to maintain its repertoire under constant review. Its work is based on freedom of choice and acceptance of risk, as characterised by its constant quest for cohesion as a group balanced by individual freedom, respect for the text and independence with respect to the score.
The repertoire of the Terpsycordes Quartet spans from the pre-classical period to contemporary creations. Since 2021, it has been performing a complete cycle of Joseph Haydn’s quartets on period instruments at the Museum of Art and History in Geneva, while maintaining a special relationship with major 20th century Genevan composers – Ernest Bloch and Frank Martin. The publication by Claves Records, in the spring of 2024, of a new album entirely devoted to Frank Martin’s works has enriched their discography – already acclaimed by the critics – and which ranges from Haydn to Piazzola.
The Terpsycordes Quartet is actively engaged in social and educational projects. It offers concerts in partnership with foundations, associations, and facilities for the disabled, those in precarious situations or in detention. It also collaborates with schools in the City of Geneva. It breaks conventions by offering unique experiences aimed at sharing its passion, including outdoor concerts in unusual locations, musical bike rides or public rehearsals, thus creating original opportunities to introduce the magic of chamber music to diverse audiences.
The Terpsycordes Quartet is supported by the City of Geneva and by the Republic and Canton of Geneva.
