Royal award presentation on a special stage
The concert series featured four “Gold Concerts” as a tribute to the traditional chamber concert, a music drama performance with actor Lars Mikkelsen, and a full-day celebration of Nordic folk music at Refshaleøen. On Thursday evening, the Danish String Quartet (DSQ) was joined by the Danish National Symphony Orchestra and the Danish National Girls’ Choir for the grand prize concert, organised by the Léonie Sonning Music Prize.
His Majesty King Frederik presented the award with the following words:
“The Léonie Sonning Music Prize 2025, along with a monetary award of DKK 1,000,000, is presented to the Danish String Quartet (…). In addition to being four outstanding instrumentalists, the Danish String Quartet is a unique musical collective. Classical chamber music, brand-new compositions, and Nordic folk music all form equal parts of the quartet’s repertoire, and their performance style is characterised by both great authority and sensitivity. With this deeply personal artistic foundation, the Danish String Quartet inspires other musicians and releases musical energy that transcends genre.”
A great honour for DSQ
“It is a tremendous honour for us to receive this award. We were speechless when we learned we would be receiving it – and in a way, we still are. The list of past recipients is awe-inspiring: great conductors, composers, and musicians. It is a huge honour to be included on that list – and even as the first ensemble ever!” says Asbjørn Nørgaard, violist of DSQ.
A stage of special significance
The choice of venue for the prize concert was no coincidence. The Academy Concert Hall has played a big role for DSQ, who had their first major breakthrough there during DR’s chamber music competition in 2004 – and since then have returned to the hall for recordings and numerous concerts. According to the quartet, the hall is a perfect fit for their format: while other larger venues are designed for symphonic works, the Academy Concert Hall is ideal for a string quartet, allowing a small ensemble to sound both grand and intense.
“To receive the award on our musical home turf in the Academy Concert Hall felt like coming full circle – and made it all the more special. It felt like inviting the audience into our living room – to share music and, afterwards, plenty of beer,” says Asbjørn Nørgaard.
The four musicians of DSQ also have a close connection to RDAM – they formed the quartet during their student years at the Academy, and three of them have for several years been highly valued members of the teaching staff.
Warm congratulations
There was a special atmosphere at the beautifully planned and executed concert, and the musical journey DSQ took the audience on fully underlined the legitimacy of the prize. RDAM extends its warmest congratulations on receiving this honour.
Read DR’s coverage of the concert (in Danish)
Read more about the Léonie Sonning Music Prize and the reasoning behind the award to DSQ (in Danish)
Photo: Agnete Schlichtkrull
