Quasars Ensemble
established in 2008, is a unique music ensemble with its large repertoire consisting of contemporary classical music as well as music of the past eras. It confronts the latest contemporary works with the structural principles of the older classical music. The orchestra focuses on the introduction of rare and forgotten ensemble pieces, particularly by Slovak authors. The ensemble performed the pieces of the world’s most influential contemporary music composers, such as Bent Sørensen, Michael Jarrell, Kaija Saariaho and Toshio Hosokawa, having the composers themselves involved. Quasars Ensemble cooperated with artists like Camilla Hoitenga (flute), Mario Caroli (flute), Dalibor Karvay (violin), Lionel Peintre (baritone) Sergej Kopčák (bass) and Stephan Loges (baritone). In 2012, Quasars Ensemble was selected to take part in International Summer Course for New Music in Darmstadt, Germany, considered to be the most prestigious contemporary music event in the world. In addition, Quasars performed at Música Viva in Lisbon, Arcus Temporum in Pannonhalma, at Prague Spring Festival 2017, at Warsaw Autumn Festival and at Ostrava Days Festival, among many others. The ensemble had the honor to perform at Flagey in Brussels and at Gasteig in Munich. In Slovakia, the ensemble is a regular guest at festivals such as Bratislava Music Festival and Melos-Ethos. Quasars Ensemble has been the resident ensemble of the Kasárne/Kulturpark Cultural Center in Košice. Its concert cycle was an essential element in the European Capital of Culture 2013 and ISCM Music World Days 2013 projects in the city. Quasars Ensemble has a recording contract with Hevhetia Recording Company. Including the pieces by Schönberg, Albrecht and Hindemith, who are considered the founding fathers of the chamber symphony, their album was awarded with the most prominent artistic award in Slovakia – Krištálové krídlo (Crystal Wing). Harmonie, a prestigious Czech music magazine, awarded their recordings of the works of Mahler, Debussy, Albrecht and Poulenc with „Editor’s Choice“ award and gave them “6-star” rating. The latest CD includes the composition Ivan Parík: Solo Sonatas (Music fund Slovakia, 2016) that introduces Quasars Ensemble members as soloists.