The Kairos Quartet was founded in 1996 and specializes in music written since 1950, including smaller and larger settings. Older music is included on a programme only if there is a significant link to more recent pieces also being played, and if doing so offers additional benefits to the audience.
Compositions are likely to select that are firmly rooted in the tradition of progress and critical reflection, or those connected to it, for example, from another musical tradition. In accordance with these principles the Kairos Quartet has, in eleven years, added more than 40 compositions to the fold through commissions and world premieres. Although the Kairos Quartett has worked with a number of well-known composers such as G. Kurtág, H. Lachenmann, B. Ferneyhough, and G.F. Haas prominence is not a criterium; aside Haas the quartet has also honed long-standing working relationships with composers of widely differing notorieties such as Julio Estrada, Giorgio Netti, Knut Müller, Sergej Newski, Enno Poppe, and Liza Lim.
Acting as a bridge between composer and audience the musicians work closely - whenever possible - with composers and reach out to the audience by offering alternative concert formats (p.e. 1 hour of music + 1 hour of discussion) and workshops. Special emphasis is given to programming concepts and the planning of concert series. Curating and organizing events may also include the production of programme booklets.
