Track 1 NOVO Quartet

• Dmitri Shostakovich (1906 - 1975): String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 110:
• 1 Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 110: I. Largo 05:48
• 2 Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 110: II. Allegro molto 02:39
• 3 Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 110: III. Allegretto 04:55
• 4 Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 110: IV. Largo 05:46
• 5 Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 110: V. Largo 04:12
• Matias Vestergård (b. 1989): HJERTEBLAD:
• 6 Vestergård: HJERTEBLAD: I. Spirelag Nocturne 05:20
• 7 Vestergård: HJERTEBLAD: II. Time-Lapse 05:40
• 8 Vestergård: HJERTEBLAD: III. III. Løvfald / Formulde 03:38
• Carl Nielsen (1865 - 1931): String Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 13:
• 9 Nielsen: String Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 13: I. Allegro energico 10:20
• 10 Nielsen: String Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 13: II. Andante amoroso 06:15
• 11 Nielsen: String Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 13: III. Scherzo. Allegro molto 05:12
• 12 Nielsen: String Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 13: IV. Finale. Allegro 05:58
• Total Runtime 01:05:43

Info for Track 1

The Novo Quartet's name (novo like 'new') reflects the curiosity and spirit of discovery that has already carried these four musicians, trained by Tim Frederiksen, to podiums at the Geneva and Carl Nielsen competitions. Their debut album, Track 1, returns to their roots: Shostakovich's String Quartet No. 8, the very first piece they studied together; Hjerteblad by Matias Vestergaard, which opened the door to contemporary repertoire; and Carl Nielsen's First Quartet, a tribute to the "great Danish hero" and the starting point of an upcoming complete cycle. Track 1 is a tale of beginnings - above all, NOVO's own - and instantly established them as one of the most arresting ensembles of their generation. Novo Quartet's have it all; intense playing, flawless balance, total commitment, and the magic unique to great quartets, where four distinct personalities merge into a single voice and let the music speak in it's purest form.

NOVO Quartet

NOVO Quartet
The journey began in 2018 with three childhood friends and a Polish violist — a look-alike to the second violinist. In the beginning, the young quartet couldn’t even agree on a name, so the organizer of their first concert named them “NOVO” — because they were new. Six years later, they still feel as at the beginning of their journey. Not due to the lack of experience, but they are always exploring, keeping doors open, and letting curiosity lead the way.

That curiosity has taken them far. With around 75 concerts a year, they have performed in world-class venues like Wigmore Hall and Victoria Hall. But they also seek contrasts — like playing at a boys’ school in Kenya, discovering how music brings joy even where classical concerts are rare. Their outreach tours have taken them to Kenya, Greenland, Svalbard, and Colombia. They have had the pleasure of performing alongside Quatuor Modigliani, Danish String Quartet, Per Tengstrand, and Alexander Lonquich, as well as genre-crossing projects with Dreamers’ Circus and Bremer/McCoy.

NOVO Quartet’s achievements include top prizes at the Geneva, Heidelberg, Carl Nielsen, and Trondheim competitions. Most recently, they were selected as BBC New Generation Artists for 2025–27 – a major milestone that will strengthen their growing presence in the UK. They are also part of The Young Artistic Elite 2024–26, a distinction awarded by the Danish Arts Foundation which they see as essential fuel for the quartet engine.

Beyond music, collaborations with brands like UNIQLO and Shaping New Tomorrow have helped them reach new audiences — because looking sharp on stage matters, but so does creative outreach.

But none of this matters without their bond. Over time, the quartet has become a small family, built on respect, care, and humor. This philosophy inspired them to create their own festival, ACROSS, where they exclusively invite already established ensembles. Here, it’s all about celebrating the spirit of chamber music together with ensembles from around the world – a vision they are passionate about realizing.

Booklet for Track 1