The VERTAVO STRING QUARTET is internationally recognised as one of the most masterful string quartets playing today. Since their formation in Norway in 1984, their dynamic and deeply thoughtful performances have captivated audiences and they have won many awards. In 2005, the quartet was honoured with the Grieg-Prize: a prize bestowed on artists of high international standing. The quartet tours extensively throughout Europe, Japan and the US. Concerts have taken them to many countries including Norway, Spain, Mexico, Sweden, Poland, the US and the UK. Collaboration plays an integral role for the Vertavo Quartet; they have formed partnerships with Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Leif Ove Andsnes, Lambert Orkis, Stephen Kovacevich, Håkan Hardenberger, Martin Fröst, Sabine Meyer and Isabelle van Keulen. In 2015, they undertook a quintet tour with the renowned British pianist Paul Lewis. The quartet's discography is diverse and includes Robert Schumann, Johannes Brahms, Edvard Grieg, Claude Debussy, Béla Bartók, Nielsen, Nils Henrik Asheim, as well as the Mozart clarinet quintet with Martin Fröst. Their Debussy and Grieg recording received the Diapason d'Or. Vertavo has a great affinity for contemporary music. They have given commanding performances of works by Ligeti, Adès, Widmann, Gabriela Frank and works by contemporary Nordic composers. In 2013, they gave the world premiere of Poul Ruders's 4th String Quartet at the Barbican Hall. The Vertavofestival is held annually in Norway.