Panocha Quartet

The Panocha Quartet was formed in 1968, while its members were still students at the Prague Conservatory. The first great success came when the Quartet was named as laureate of the 1975 Prague Spring International String Quartet Completition. Since that time the Quartet has achieved international fame progressing from one triumph to another. From 1975 the Panocha Quartet has made fifteen visits to the USA and Canada and been a regular visitor to Great Britain, as well as playing also in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, Mexico and elsewhere. The Quartet has participated in major international festivals including Edinburgh, Salzburg, Prague, Menton, Dubrovní­k, Tel Aviv, Kuhmo and Mondsee. In 1976 it was awarded the Bordeaux Gold Medal and in 1982 came a Supraphon Gold Disc. In 1983 the Grand Prix Academy Charles Cross was received in Paris for the recording of Martinů's Quartet Nos. 4 and 6. The Panocha Quartet places particular emphasis on Czech music especially the works of Smetana, DvoÅ™ák, Janáček and Martinů. Its extensive repertoire also included many Viennese classics, notably many of the quartets of Haydn. Equally the Quartet's programmes often include the great Romantic quartets, as well as those of twentieth century masters such as Abartók and Shostakovich. The many recordings for the Supraphon label include the current completion of all the chamber works of DvoÅ™ák.