13.11.2024
On Monday, November 11, the Delegation of Prague to the EU organised another concert from the Prague House Concert Series – Year of Czech Music 2024, presenting one of the most promising young Czech ensembles Kukal Quartet. The event was organised with kind support of H. E. Jakub Skalník, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Kingdom of Belgium.
Kukal Quartet Eliška Kukalová - violin Klára Lešková - violin Daniel Macho - viola Filip Rufer - violoncello
programme Ondřej Kukal: String quartet (one-movement)
Antonín Dvořák: String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, B179 “American”
I. Allegro ma non troppo II. Lento III. Molto vivace — Trio IV. Finale. Vivace ma non troppo
Bedřich Smetana: String Quartet No. 1 in E Minor “From My Life” I. Allegro vivo appassionato II. Allegro moderato à la polka III. Largo sostenuto IV. Vivace
The Kukal Quartet was founded in Autumn of 2020 by four exceptionally talented young musicians, who, notwithstanding their youth, have great respect for the legacy of the Czech quartet school. Eliška Kukalová, Klára Lešková, Daniel Macho and Filip Rufer form a respected and sought-after ensemble of the youngest generation of Czech artists.
In May 2021 the ensemble attracted attention by winning third prize and the Laureate title at the Prague Spring International Music Competition. The quartet impressed at the competition primarily with; the liveliness and authenticity of their musical expression, the unique ensemble dynamics and the strong individuality of its members. The Quartet were inspired and mentored by leading personalities of the Czech music scene such as Peter Jarůšek (Pavel Haas Quartet), Jakub Fišer (Bennewitz Quartet) and Tomáš Jamník.
The Kukal Quartet performed already at the most renowned Czech festivals like International Music festival of Dvořák Prague and The Prague Spring. In 2024 they will guests of renowned international music festivals in Germany, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Spain. The quartet had the opportunity to participate in masterclasses with Yo- Yo Ma, Noah Bendix Balgley, Allan Nilles, Josef Špaček, Jan Fišer and Lukáš Vondráček.
The quartet bears the name of the important Czech contemporary composer, Ondřej Kukal.