Paul Zientara joins the award-winning ensemble, replacing Emmanuel François
The Van Kuijk Quartet has announced the appointment of Paul Zientara as its new violist, who replaces Emmanuel François.
The quartet members, comprising violinists Nicolas Van Kuijk and Sylvain Favre-Bulle, and cellist Anthony Kondo, announced the change of personnel via social media:
’After 9 beautiful years, 734 concerts, 362 calzones, 763274 kms on tour, 3,524,376,028 notes played together we wish Manu the best for the new page of his professional life, outside of our ensemble! Thanks for everything!
’Now, a new chapter opens…It is with great joy that we welcome Paul Zientara to the viola position. A musician of remarkable sensitivity, a passionate and inspiring chamber partner. Paul joins our group with all his energy, curiosity and talent.
‘We look forward to sharing many adventures with you, welcome Paul!’
Zientara began studying the viola at age seven at the Music School of Yerres before continuing his training at the Paris Regional Conservatory and the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris. He has also taken part in international academies and masterclasses, working with musicians including Tabea Zimmermann, Gérard Caussé, Tatjana Masurenko, Nils Mönkemeyer and members of the Ebène Quartet.
He won third prize at the Lionel Tertis Competition, Grand Prix at the Safran Foundation, first prize at the Concours de Cordes d ’Epernay and third prize at the Autumn Musical Festival of Young Performers.
The Van Kuijk Quartet claimed victories at the 2015 Wigmore Hall International String Quartet and the Trondheim International Chamber Music competitions, and were named BBC New Generation Artists from 2015-17, as well as ECHO Rising Stars for the 2017-18 season. It has performed in venues globally and records exclusively for Alpha Classics.
Upcoming debuts for the ensemble include appearances at Carnegie Hall in New York City, Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Recital Centre and UKARIA in Australia, and Shanghai Symphony Hall.
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