Amadeus Quartet

Amadeus Quartet were a world famous chamber music ensemble who were formed in 1947. Three of its members were Jewish and met in UK internment camps after being classified by the English authorities as enemies following their exodus from Nazi Germany. The three internees were Norbert Brainin, Siegmund Nissel and Peter Schidlof who after the war went to study under the Austrian violinist Max Rostal who himself had taken British citizenship and was teaching at the Guildhall School of Music. It was Rostal who introduced them to the English cellist Martin Lovatt who was to become the fourth member of the quartet.

The four musicians formed an incredibly strong bond which was to keep them together for 40 years until they disbanded in 1987. The ensemble broke up following the death of Schlidof who the remaining three members felt was irreplaceable. During their career they became one of the most successful quartets of the 20th century and the four men had numerous honours bestowed upon them including an OBE from the Queen of England, various university Doctorates, a Great Cross of Merit - Germany's highest honor, and an Austrian Cross for Arts and Sciences.