KRONOS Five Decades

The legendary Kronos Quartet is a cult band among string quartets. For their 50th birthday, the four from the American West Coast are going on a world tour and playing in fifty cities around the globe.

They are coming to the KunstFestSpiele with music by renowned composers from minimal music, free jazz, pop music and new music.

They wouldn't be the Kronos Quartet if they hadn't already made creative provisions for the next generation long before their anniversary! Under the motto "Fifty for the Future", the quartet has developed a performance, education and legacy project in addition to 50 composition commissions. An investment in the future, the works help young amateur and professional string quartets develop and hone the skills needed to perform 21st century repertoire.

Tireless and curious about the unknown, the four musicians have been commissioning pieces since their inception. To world stars, newcomers or "no-names" from all continents and genres.

This ensemble, founded by violinist David Harrington, has become a bubbling source of new creations with its enormously versatile virtuosity. "Kronos" is an inspiration for generations of musicians around the globe who draw no boundaries between classical music, pop, electro, experimental, punk, jazz, folk music or other musical cultures.