Goldmund Quartet

Florian Schötz — First Violin: plays the Stradivarius “Comte Cozio di Salabue” violin (1727), whose powerful projection and bright clarity allow him to lead the melodic lines with brilliance and expressive nuance.

Pinchas Adt — Second Violin: performs on the Stradivarius “Desaint” violin (1680), known for its warm, sweet tone that blends beautifully with the first violin and enriches the harmonic texture.

Christoph Vandory — Viola: plays the Stradivarius “Mendelssohn” viola (1731), prized for its deep, resonant timbre that provides the quartet’s rich inner voice and harmonic depth.

Raphael Paratore — Cello: performs on the Stradivarius “Ladenburg” cello (1736), noted for its velvety, sonorous qualities that anchor the ensemble with warmth and emotional weight.

As many of you are already aware, the Goldmund Quartet is a German string quartet known for its refined sound, expressive interpretations and dynamic performances on exquisite instruments with deep historical and musical significance.

Since 2019, the quartet has had the rare privilege of performing on the Paganini Quartet, a matched set of four Stradivarius instruments crafted by Antonio Stradivari — one of the most celebrated makers in the history of string instruments — on long-term loan from the Sasakawa Music Foundation (formerly the Nippon Music Foundation).

The combination of these instruments gives the Goldmund Quartet a uniquely balanced and vibrant sound: the first violin shines with clarity, the second violin and viola weave intricate harmonies, and the cello grounds the ensemble with a resonant, expressive foundation. This interplay of tonal colours allows them to navigate both delicate passages and dramatic climaxes with exceptional musicality.

Since its founding in 2009, the quartet has gained international recognition, performing at major concert halls and festivals across Europe and beyond. Praised for their clarity, warmth, and musical depth, they have won several prestigious competitions, including the International Wigmore Hall String Quartet Competition and the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition.

The Goldmund Quartet’s repertoire spans classical and romantic works by composers such as Joseph Haydn, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Antonín Dvořák, as well as contemporary compositions. Their performances are celebrated for combining technical precision with emotional intensity, and the distinctive timbres of their Stradivarius instruments lend additional richness and resonance, establishing them as one of the leading young string quartets on the international chamber music scene.

The Quatuor Hermès

Les Amis du Poujoula would like to introduce the Quatuor Hermès, a distinguished French string quartet celebrated for its elegance, technical precision, and deeply expressive musical style. Since its founding in 2008 at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Lyon, the ensemble has rapidly emerged as a prominent force on the international chamber music scene, admired for its ability to blend rigorous technique with emotional nuance.

The quartet is composed of violinists Omer Bouchez and Elise Liu, Manuel Vioque-Judde on viola, and Yan Levionnois on cello, each bringing a distinctive voice to the ensemble’s unified sound. Over the years they have benefited from the mentorship of some of the world’s most esteemed musicians, including the legendary pianist Alfred Brendel and members of the Artemis Quartet, who have helped shape their interpretive approach and chamber music philosophy.

Quatuor Hermès has earned acclaim at numerous prestigious international competitions, notably securing top prizes at the Geneva International Music Competition and the International Chamber Music Competition of Lyon, affirming their status as one of the leading quartets of their generation. Their repertoire spans from the Classical masterpieces of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven to contemporary works by living composers, demonstrating both versatility and a commitment to musical innovation.

Renowned for their refined ensemble cohesion, vibrant interpretations, and nuanced phrasing, the quartet performs regularly in major concert halls and festivals across Europe and internationally. Audiences and critics alike praise their ability to infuse familiar works with fresh insight while championing new music, solidifying their reputation as an ensemble that balances tradition and modernity with exceptional artistry.

Kit Armstrong will accompany Quatuor Hermès for their first performance on the Poujoula stage.

Kit Armstrong

We are thrilled to announce the return of Kit Armstrong to Poujoula this year, a pianist whose performances have left an indelible mark on our stage. For those who have yet to experience his extraordinary talent, Armstrong is an American-British pianist and composer whose artistry combines technical brilliance, profound musical insight, and an unmistakable intellectual curiosity.

A true prodigy, Armstrong excelled in both music and the sciences from a young age, initially pursuing studies in mathematics before dedicating himself fully to music. He became a devoted student and close collaborator of the legendary pianist Alfred Brendel, whose mentorship helped shape Armstrong’s singular interpretive voice—a voice that resonates with both power and nuance.

Armstrong has performed in the world’s most prestigious concert halls and international festivals, earning acclaim for his inventive programming and captivating performances. His repertoire spans centuries, from early keyboard masterpieces to contemporary works, with particular reverence for composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and György Ligeti. Each performance reflects a balance of technical precision, emotional depth, and intellectual clarity, making every recital an unforgettable experience.

Beyond the piano, Armstrong is a gifted composer, crafting works that reveal the same curiosity, creativity, and structural sophistication that inform his playing. His music invites listeners into a world where imagination and intellect meet, offering fresh perspectives on familiar sounds and bold explorations of new musical landscapes.

Whether on stage performing, at the piano composing, or sharing his knowledge with the next generation, Kit Armstrong remains one of the most compelling and original voices in contemporary classical music. Supporters of Poujoula can look forward to an evening of extraordinary artistry, insight, and inspiration.

Valeriy Sokolov

Valeriy Sokolov, who will be familiar to many of you already, is a Ukrainian violinist celebrated for his expressive artistry, technical mastery, and compelling stage presence. Born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, he displayed exceptional talent from a very young age, drawing early international attention.

He refined his craft under the guidance of the renowned pedagogue Boris Kuschnir at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz, developing a technique marked by clarity, precision, and expressive depth.

Beyond his formal studies, Valeriy benefited from a rich tradition of mentorship and masterclasses that shaped his musical philosophy. He attended sessions with distinguished artists associated with the Yehudi Menuhin School, an institution known for nurturing young musicians with a strong focus on chamber music, interpretive nuance, and artistic collaboration. These experiences instilled in him a profound sense of ensemble awareness, phrasing, and stylistic sensitivity, which continue to inform his solo and chamber performances. He has also studied with other eminent violinists, gaining diverse perspectives on technique, tone, and musical expression.

Sokolov has performed with leading orchestras and conductors worldwide, appearing in major concert halls and festivals across Europe, Asia, and North America. His repertoire spans the great violin classics—from Johann Sebastian Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to Ludwig van Beethoven—as well as contemporary works, demonstrating both versatility and a commitment to modern music. His performances are lauded for their intensity, precision, and emotional resonance, reflecting the combination of rigorous training and the interpretive insight he gained from mentorships and masterclasses.

Through both live performances and recordings, Sokolov has established himself as one of the most distinguished violinists of his generation. His artistry balances virtuosic brilliance with a chamber-inspired sensitivity, enabling him to connect with audiences in a profoundly communicative way.

He is currently Professor of Violin at the Yehudi Menuhin School.

Nelson Goerner

Nelson Goerner needs no introduction to our regular supporters but there may be some of you with interest in the background to this outstanding pianist. He is an Argentine classical pianist widely celebrated for his poetic musicality, refined touch, and deeply expressive interpretations. Born in San Pedro, Argentina, he displayed extraordinary musical sensitivity from a young age, quickly developing the lyricism and emotional depth that would become hallmarks of his artistry.

Goerner’s rise to international recognition came in 1986, when he won first prize at the Franz Liszt International Piano Competition in Buenos Aires. This achievement marked a turning point, establishing him as one of Argentina’s most promising pianists and setting the stage for a distinguished global career. Four years later, in 1990, he solidified his international reputation by winning First Prize at the Geneva International Music Competition, one of the most prestigious piano competitions in the classical world.

Following these early successes, Goerner embarked on an extensive international performing career. He has appeared as a soloist with leading orchestras, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre de Paris, NHK Symphony Orchestra, and Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, among many others, collaborating with renowned conductors such as Vladimir Ashkenazy, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Neeme Järvi, and Fabio Luisi.

In addition to his orchestral work, Goerner has cultivated a rich career as a recitalist and chamber musician, performing in major venues and festivals worldwide. His repertoire spans the great Romantic masters, such as Chopin, Liszt, and Brahms, to French impressionists like Debussy and Fauré.

Beyond performing, Goerner is a dedicated educator, sharing his insights with the next generation of pianists at institutions such as the Haute École de Musique in Geneva. He continues to live in Switzerland while maintaining close artistic ties to Argentina, balancing a global career with personal roots in his homeland.