»Finding the ideal sound world for Schubert's quartets is by no means easy, yet the Alinde strikes a near-ideal balance between internal clarity and textural warmth, shone through by sparkling intonation.«

Julian Haylock, The Strad

»Yet another string quartet? No. Within all the present abundance, this group leaves a mark of its own. It has developed into an outstanding ensemble with just the right players in the right place. Among a number of remarkable primarias, Eugenia Ottaviano has turned out to be one of the finest, combining virtuoso control with 'fire, sensitivity and imagination'«.

Alfred Brendel, 2024

Portrait Artists at the Kölner Philharmonie

With six concert projects, the Cologne Philharmonic presented the Alinde Quartet as their ‘portrait artists’ for the 2024/25 season – ranging from pure string quartet and quintet programmes to larger chamber music programmes on modern and historical instruments, and even a concerto for string quartet and orchestra.

Photo © Heike Fischer

Schubert Complete Recording

The Alinde Quartet – named after Franz Schubert's Lied ‘Alinde’ – is currently working on an ambitious Schubert recording.
In a co-production with Deutschlandfunk Radio, the ensemble is recording all of Schubert's string quartets on six CDs for Hänssler Classic, with each CD supplemented by a commissioned composition inspired by Schubert, building a bridge from the past to the present. The complete series is scheduled to be available by Schubert's 200th birthday in 2028.

about the project #schubert200

In addition to the recordings of Schubert's quartets, the project also included a recording by the Alinde Quartet together with tenor Daniel Johannsen, presenting Schubert's Lied cycle ‘Die Schöne Müllerin’ for the first time in a version for string quartet and voice.

Ensemble Biography

The Alinde Quartet, named after Schubert’s Lied, has earned an international reputation for its versatile repertoire and seamless blend of tradition and innovation. Whether performing on historical or modern instruments, their programs range from Renaissance works to Romantic string quartets and contemporary commissions. This artistic breath has brought them to some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including the Berliner Philharmonie, the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, the Konzerthaus in Berlin and renowned festivals like Mozartfest Würzburg, Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival and Verbier.

In the 2024–2025 season, the quartet held a prestigious residency as a Portrait Artists at the Kölner Philharmonie, another significant milestone in their artistic journey. Mentored by luminaries such as Eberhard Feltz, Günther Pichler and Rainer Schmidt, their performance approach is rooted in thorough research and marked by a balance of meticulous detail and creative freedom.

Beyond their numerous concert appearances, the Alinde Quartet is deeply committed to fostering the musical education of the next generation. Through interactive formats such as participatory concerts, open rehearsals, and school projects, they invite children and young people to explore the fascinating world of chamber music in an engaging and accessible way. In workshops and family concerts at prestigious venues such as the Kölner Philharmonie and the Festspielhaus Baden-Baden, they create inspiring musical experiences that captivate young audiences and leave a lasting impression. Since 2018, the Alinde Quartet has been immersed in the visionary project #Schubert200, an ambitious six-volume recording cycle in collaboration with Hänssler Classic and Deutschlandfunk. The goal of this project is to present fresh interpretations of all of Franz Schubert’s string quartets by 2028. In addition to their meticulous exploration of Schubert’s works, the quartet introduces a dynamic contemporary element by pairing each recording with a newly commissioned piece by some of today’s leading composers. With #Schubert200, the quartet emphasizes their commitment to preserving the depth and richness of the classical music tradition while boldly charting new paths in chamber music. This project goes beyond a traditional recording endeavor—it is an artistic journey that vividly demonstrates the relevance and vitality of Schubert’s music in the 21st century.

Highlights of the current season include, for example, the ensemble's debut at the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival, at the Concertgebouw Amsterdam and at the Schubertiade Schwarzenberg-Hohenems.

Recordings

Videos

Youtube Channel

Discography

2025 – »Schubert 2020-2028 – The String Quartet Project Vol. IV« (Hänssler Classic)
Schubert, Quartets D810 and D36
Marc Migó, String Quartet No. 2 - Sardana-Quodlibet
CD
Listen Online

2024 – »Schubert 2020-2028 – The String Quartet Project Vol. III« (Hänssler Classic)
Schubert, Quartets D804 and D112
Dandolo Marchesi, Ach, Alinde!
CD
Listen Online

2023 – »Franz Schubert: Die schöne Müllerin D.795 – arranged for tenor & string quartet by Tom Randle« (Hänssler Classic)
Double-CD with Daniel Johannsen (tenor) and Christoph Hammer (pianoforte)
CD
Listen Online
Trailer

2022 – »Schubert 2020-2028 – The String Quartet Project Vol. II« (Hänssler Classic)
Schubert, Quartets D74, D94 and D173
Hanke, FEVER SKETCHES
CD
Listen Online
Trailer

2020 – »Schubert 2020-2028 – The String Quartet Project Vol. I« (Hänssler Classic)
Schubert, Quartets D87 and D18, Quartettsatz D703
Kotcheff, unbegun
CD
Trailer
Album on Spotify

2019 – »Lichtwechsel« (Hänssler Classic)
Mendelssohn, Quartet f minor op. 80
Purcell, Fantasias
CD
Trailer
Album on Spotify