Germany's Schumann Quartet Awarded $81,000 Jürgen Ponto Chamber Music Prize

The Cologne-based Schumann Quartet has today been announced as the recipients of the prestigious €60,000 (USD $81,000) 2014 Jürgen Ponto Foundation Chamber Music Bursary.

The acclaimed ensemble, comprising brothers Erik, Ken and Mark Schumann and violist Liisa Randalu, are former 1st prize winners at the 2013 'Quatuor à Bordeaux' and 2012 Graz 'Schubert and Modern Music' International Chamber Music Competitions.

In addition, the Schumann Quartet will also receive performance engagements at the Beethovenfest in Bonn, the Heidelberg Spring Festival and the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

Awarded every 2nd year in support of professional young German ensembles, previous bursary recipients include The Amaryllis Quartet – awarded the 2012 prize.