Arts Global

Girolamo Bottiglieri (Italy) 1st violin
Raya Raytcheva (Bulgaria) 2nd violin
Caroline Haas (Switzerland) viola
François Grin (Switzerland) cello

Prism of musical repertoires, multiplicity of approach, kaleidoscope of personalities. These many facets combine to make up the unique character of the Terpsycordes Quartet – at once homogenous and diverse. The formation has won distinction at many international competitions, including a First Prize in Geneva in 2001, and succeeded in radiating its quadruple talent – a magical blend of harmonious and complementary artists, yet innovative and bold in their interpretation.

Both on stage and in the recording studio, the Terpsycordes assert their eclecticism. Their recordings, all acclaimed by the specialized press, reflect a determination to get to the heart of each piece they play, combining rigour and fantasy: "Death and the Maiden" by Schubert, discovered for the very first time on period instruments (Ricercar), Schumann (Opus 41) and Haydn (Opus 33), sharply in focus, not to mention contemporary works by the Swiss composer Gregorio Zanon (Claves), and Haydn once more, with an album of the "Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross" (Ricercar).

The Terpsycordes Quartet, based in Geneva, was founded in 1997, and taught by Gabor Takács-Nagy, before being coached notably by members of the Budapest, Hagen, Lasalle or Mosaïques Quartets. Drawing vitality from their contrasting origins (Italy, Bulgaria and Switzerland), its members offer dazzling performances to audiences of major concert seasons and festivals around the globe. The muse Terpsichore is their constant inspiration – music’s daughter linking earth and spirit: Terre (earth), psy (spirit), cordes (strings).

Girolamo Bottiglieri was born in Salerno in 1974. After completing his studies at the Santa Cecilia Academy in Rome with G. Leone at the age of 18, he joined C. Romano's class at the Geneva Conservatory where he obtained First Prize in Virtuosity in 1997. Further studies followed with S. Accardo in Cremona.

Mr Bottiglieri has won several prizes at international competitions, including the Lampronti Prize as best Italian violinist at the Lipizer International competition in 1998. He has performed as soloist with various orchestras, including the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. As a chamber musician he has played throughout Europe in collaboration with R. Kussmaul, E. Pahud, the Ensemble Contrechamps in Geneva and the Salzburger Solisten. He has also worked with composers G. Kurtag and S. Gubaidulina. Girolamo Bottiglieri plays a violin made by Cesare Candi (Genova 1930), belonging to the Lalive Foundation, Geneva.

Raya Raytcheva was born at Pleven (Bulgaria) in 1976. In 1992, she came to Switzerland to study at the Crans Violin High School, assisted by a scholarship from the Kayaleh Foundation. She subsequently joined M. Piguet-Karafilova's class at the Geneva Conservatoire and obtained First Prize in Virtuosity in 2000.

Ms Raytcheva has received several prizes at national and international competitions, including the Swiss Youth Music Competition and the Stresa International Competition. She has performed as soloist with Swiss and Bulgarian orchestras, and played in Switzerland, France, Belgium and Bulgaria as an orchestral and chamber musician. She plays a violin by Paul Audinot (Paris), belonging to the Lalive Foundation, Geneva.

Caroline Haas was born in 1975 in Geneva. She began studying at the Geneva Conservatory in 1996, obtaining a soloist diploma in N. Pache's class. She has attended master classes with C. Romano, A. Brussilowsky, F. Kirch, F. Malgoire, B. Giuranna and M-A. Nicolas.

Ms Haas has performed in Europe with chamber music ensembles, collaborating with musicians such as R. Kussmaul, E. Pahud and F. Pettrachi. She has been part of several world premiere creations and she has worked with composers G. Kurtag and H. Holliger. She has played as principal violist in orchestras under the G. Garrido and E. Krivine. Caroline Haas also plays baroque viola with the Ensemble Elyma.

François Grin was born in 1969 in Washington DC. His family returned to Switzerland and he received his first musical training in Lausanne at the age of seven, with C. Henneberger. He went on to study with G. Fallot and D. Grosgurin at the Geneva Conservatoire, where he obtained a diploma in cello with a special prize and the First Prize in Virtuosity. A scholarship allowed him then to attend postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he earned the Diploma of Advanced Studies in the class of D. Cummings. He has also taken part in master classes with L. Harrell, M. Lidstroem and J. Starker.

Mr Grin performs mainly as a chamber musician, collaborating with musicians such as A. Gerecz, H. Beyerle, W. Levin, F. Droujinin and C. Elton. He plays a cello by Pressenda (Torino 1841), belonging to the Henneberger-Mercier Foundation.

For more information on the Terpsycordes Quartet please visit www.terpsycordes.com.