20.06.2025 | Artist
Danish String Quartet wins prestigious Sonning Music Prize
Awarded since 1959, the international Léonie Sonning Music Prize is Denmark’s highest music honor recognizing a renowned classical music composer, musician, conductor, or singer. The 2025 edition is the first time the prize has been awarded to an ensemble rather than an individual artist.
The Danish String Quartet (DSQ) receives the award for “creating an original musical identity that serves as an inspiration to other musicians and unleashes musical energy beyond genres.”
Comprising violinists Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen and Frederik Øland, violist Asbjørn Nørgaard, and cellist Fredrik Sjölin, the DSQ made its debut 23 years ago and has since been known for its musical communication, command of technique, and innovative programming. The group made their ECM debut in 2016 with music of Thomas Adès, Per Nørgård & Hans Abrahamsen, reflecting their special affinity for contemporary composition. In August 2024, the group released Keel Road — their third album focusing on folk music. Their previous works on ECM had included the recording project PRISM (2018-2023), which garnered many positive reviews and was nominated at the GRAMMY Awards.
The Grand Prize Concert of the Léonie Sonning Music Prize was held on June 5, 2025, at the Royal Danish Academy of Music. Past recipients of the prize include Igor Stravinsky, Miles Davis, Leonard Bernstein, Yo-Yo Ma, and Emmanuel Pahud.
“What they do know is how to be an exceptional quartet, whatever repertory they play.”
— Anthony Tommasini, The New York Times
