Leonkoro String Quartet

“The Leonkoro Quartet possesses an extraordinary stage presence, embracing both full artistic risk and profound sensitivity”

– Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

The Leonkoro Quartet, founded in Berlin in 2019, is framed by brothers Jonathan and Lukas Schwarz on first violin and cello, while the middle voices are formed by Amelie Wallner on second violin and Mayu Konoe on viola. In Esperanto, Leonkoro means Lionheart, alluding to a children’s book about two brothers, a book that juxtaposes the grave reality of death with a large and heartfelt yearning for comfort and solace – a sentiment that string quartet repertoire addresses in several instances.

The quartet’s international recognition began in 2021 when, as the youngest ensemble, they claimed the top prize and the coveted Audience Prize at the renowned Borciani String Quartet Competition. Then, in the annus mirabilis of 2022, the Leonkoro Quartet garnered an astounding series of prestigious accolades: first, the highly prestigious Jürgen Ponto Foundation Music Prize, followed by a triumph at the Wigmore Hall String Quartet Competition where they earned both first prize and NINE special awards. Then the quartet seized not only first  prize at the Concours International de Quatuor à Bordeaux but also the Audience Prize. Shortly thereafter, they were invited to join the BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists program.  2022 was capped by one final honor: the MERITO String Quartet Award.

The Leonkoro has deepened their interpretations by study with members of the Artemis and Alban Berg quartets, as well as pianist Alfred Brendel.

In Autumn 2023, the quartet will release its highly anticipated debut album, featuring Ravel’s String Quartet and Schumann’s 3rd quartet, on the Mirare label.

In the 2023/2024 season, the Leonkoro Quartet is making debuts at the Berlin Philharmonie, the Kölner Philharmonie, the Flagey Brussels, the Concertgebouw Amsterdam and the Konzerthaus Wien, to name a few, and will perform at such renowned festivals as the Rheingau Music Festival, the String Quartet Biennale Paris, and the Heidelberg Fruehling. Furthermore, the quartet continues its residency in Leeds.