Donnie Gillan Cello Gabe Trop Cello
Matt Fuerst Composer
Kuotet is an ensemble of highly committed young classical musicians, which was founded in 1999 at the world famous Juilliard School in New York. Having undertaken postgraduate studies with such world-renowned teachers as Dorothy Delay, Toby Appel and the Juilliard String Quartet, Kuotet gave their New York debut in February of this year in Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Centre. In July 2000 Kuotet undertook their first concert tour in Scotland, to critical and popular acclaim.
Although originally a Piano Quartet, Kuotet takes much of its inspiration from artistic diversity and uses collaboration as a basis for programming. Its members have been involved in multi-media projects involving dancers, actors, physical theatre performers, lighting designers and filmmakers. As well as classical performers, the group includes Juilliard composer Matt Fuerst and Scottish traditional musician Donald Grant, both using Celtic and Gaelic poetry in their work. This constantly evolving ensemble includes musicians from four countries, three continents and four distinct cultural backgrounds.
Kuotet is strongly committed to education and outreach, and to the continually developing future of classical music. As a strong believer in the concept of music for all, Kuotet plays in small towns and lesser-known venues, with the primary goal of allowing everyone, regardless of background and musical experience, access to the emotional power of classical music making at the highest level. The majority of concerts are presented free of charge. In general, Kuotet performances dispense with regular concert etiquette and include a substantial element of spoken presentation and discussion. Summer 2000 saw the group developing a series of childrens' concerts, with the aim of introducing the joy of classical music to young people.
Kuotet gratefully acknowledges substantial funding from the Juilliard School and Eric Cheng.
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