Biography

Rita Cepurcenko [1st violin], Simona Hurnikova [2nd violin], Svetlana Jahodova [viola], Margit Klepacova [violoncello].

The Kapralova Quartet, named after Czech composer Vitezslava Kapralova [1915-1940], was founded in 1995 in Prague, originally under the name of Venus Quartet Prague. In 2001, with the consent of Kapralova's heirs and the encouragement of the Kapralova Society, an international society dedicated to preserving and promoting the memory of Kapralova, the ensemble changed its name to pay a tribute to one of the most remarkable women composers of the 20th century.

The ensemble studied quartet performance with Prof. Bretislav Novotny, first violinist of the excellent Prague String Quartet. The unique combination of the celebrated Russian school of string playing (represented by first vilinist Rita Cepurcenko, a graduate of the Leningrad Academy of Music) and the traditional Czech approach to quartet performance has distinguished the group from other quartets; and, today, it ranks as one of the foremost Czech quartets.

The Kapralova Quartet has a broad repertoire which includes, besides classical works, a number of important compositions of the twentieth century, such as the complete quartets by Alfred Schnittke. The ensemble has made recordings for radio and television, as well as on compact disc. The ensemble regularly performs abroad, and has delighted audiences in a variety of countries that include Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Great Britain, Japan, Izrael, Cyprus, and Canada.

The ensemble regularly collaborates with Eugen Indjic [piano], Katerina Englichova [harp], Philippe Cuper and Ludmila Peterkova [clarinet], Skampa Quartet, Prazak Quartet, and Prague Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Zdenek Macal.

2001 - The ensemble's live recording of Kapralova's String Quartet, op. 8 places third in the Radio France competition of live recordings.
2002 - The ensemble's remarkable performance of Schnittke and Stravinsky at the prestigeous Prague Spring Festival is hailed by critics as a highlight of Festival's chamber series.
2003 - The ensemble’s performance at Nagoya International Chamber Music Festival is recorded for Japanese Television (NHK).
2004 - The group visits Canada where it gives masterclasses in Madison and performs to critical acclaim in Edmonton.

English translation: The Kapralova Society. Note for arts presenters: Feel free to reproduce this text in your press release and/or concert program.