Founding Violinist to Exit Poland’s Szymanowski String Quartet

The Szymanowski String Quartet has today announced that co-founder and long standing 1st violinist Grzegorz Kotow will leave the ensemble

The Hannover-based Szymanowski String Quartet has today announced that co-founder and long standing 1st violinist Grzegorz Kotow will leave the ensemble, effective immediately - after more than 2 decades with the group.

Formed in 1995 in Warsaw, with a strong commitment to Polish music of the 20th Century, the acclaimed quartet are former major prize winners at the Florence, Osaka, Melbourne and Weimar International Chamber Music Competitions.

“I have realized that it is time for something new in my life … they were amazing, wonderful years – half my life,” Grzegorz has told The Violin Channel.

“Thank you so much, my dearest quartet colleagues – Agata, Volodia, Marcin, and former members Andrej and Marek – for all these amazing adventures and for sharing the love and madness of quartet playing …” he has said.

The 44 year old has indicated he will now turn his focus to the artist and touring management agency he runs with his wife, his teaching commitments - and his new roles as Artistic Director of a new festival in Austria and Artistic Advisor to a Chamber Orchestra in Asia.

“I also promised my son that I will be at home for his next birthday …” the violinist has promised.