By Naveed Miraj and Shahid Qureshi
ISLAMABAD: The German Embassy in Islamabad, in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut Pakistan, proudly hosted a captivating German Classical musical concert featuring the renowned Ensemble 4.1 at Marriott Hotel Islamabad.
The German Ambassador, Alfred Grannas, in his inaugural address, emphasized the unifying power of art, particularly music, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries, further enhancing the cultural exchange between Pakistan and Germany.
Ensemble 4.1, a unique piano windtet, was founded a decade ago following an invitation from the then Director of the Goethe-Institut Karachi, which served as the catalyst for its formation. Over the years, the ensemble has achieved remarkable milestones, including 125 concerts, the release of two critically acclaimed CDs, and a prestigious ‘OPUS Klassik’ nomination. In celebration of their tenth anniversary, the ensemble has graced some of the world’s most iconic venues, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, the Wigmore Hall in London, and Carnegie Hall in New York. As a tribute to their beginnings, Ensemble 4.1 has returned to Pakistan, where their journey started in Karachi.
The ensemble comprises five distinguished members from top German Orchestras:
- Jörg Schneider, the principal oboe of the Jena Philharmonic Orchestra, boasts numerous accolades, including victories in international chamber music competitions in Osaka, Marseille, and Schwerin, as well as a scholarship from the German Music Competition.
- Alexander Glücksmann, the principal clarinet of the Berlin Symphony Orchestra, has displayed his artistry at the Opera Barga chamber music festival in Italy alongside members of the Berlin Philharmonic. He is also recognized for his work on contemporary music projects with the Chamber Ensemble Quillo.
- Christoph Knitt, the principal bassoon at the Potsdam Chamber Academy since 2006, has been actively involved in cultural reconstruction efforts in Iraq in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut since 2009.
- Sebastian Posch, a distinguished horn player, secured third prize at the international horn competition in Stams/Austria in 1999. His impressive solo performances span prestigious orchestras, including the Frankfurt/Oder State Orchestra, the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Altenburg-Gera Theater, the Young Symphony Berlin, the Berlin Chamber Academy, and the Göttinger Symphoniker.
- Thomas Hoppe, considered one of the finest pianists of his generation, imparts his expertise through masterclasses in piano accompaniment and chamber music across Europe, Australia, China, South America, and the USA.
The ensemble’s performance showcased a repertoire spanning from the late 19th to the 20th century, earning thunderous applause from the discerning audience. The program included masterpieces by revered German composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Quintett Es-Dur op.16” and Walter Gieseking’s “Quintett B-Dur,” among other exquisite encore pieces.
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Ensemble 4.1 has received global acclaim through extensive tours and recitals in countries including China, Pakistan, Austria, Germany, Algeria, Canada, and the USA. They have graced prestigious venues in cities such as Berlin, Istanbul, New York City, Toronto, Ottawa, Karachi, Shanghai, and Torino. The ensemble has left an indelible mark at renowned festivals in Denmark, Malta, Italy’s MiToFestival, and the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg. Prior to their performance in Islamabad, the ensemble captivated audiences in Karachi, Hyderabad and Lahore on this remarkable tour.
