The Janáček Quartet, founded in 1947 at the Brno Conservatory, is one of the longest continuously active string quartets in the world. Its name is more than honorary: the ensemble's interpretive tradition traces directly through teacher Váša Černý to the Moravian Quartet, which gave the premieres of Janáček's two string quartets. Over seven decades the quartet has performed in 55 countries, recorded for Deutsche Grammophon, Supraphon, Decca and others, and won the Grand Prix of the Académie Charles Cros and the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik. It performs entirely from memory - a rarity among professional quartets.
The Janáček Quartet received the Ján Cikker Prize for 2024 on May 9, 2025 in Bratislava - as the first string quartet in the history of this award.
In December 2024, the quartet performed at a Christmas concert as part of the Na návštěvě u Cimbal Classiku series at Dělňák Líšeň in Brno.
On December 4, 2024, the quartet performed at Rudolfinum at a concert of the Czech Chamber Music Society with a program of Janáček, Shostakovich, and Dvořák.
In November 2024, the quartet embarked on a tour of Mexico with stops in Monterrey, Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, and Morelia.
On November 24, 2024, the quartet performed at the Janáček Brno 2024 festival at the Löw-Beer villa with a program of Kaprálová, Janáček, and Novák.
