The String Quartet Biennale Amsterdam (SQBA) was launched in January 2018 and will see its fifth edition next winter: January 24-31, 2026.
Once every two years, Amsterdam’s storied Muziekgebouw becomes a hotspot for world-class and young emerging string quartets, composers, renowned soloists, guest speakers, and curious listeners. Over eight immersive days, the entire performance venue is given over to a festival celebrating the great quartet tradition, with over 50 concerts, masterclasses and talks. Artists and audience mingle freely between events in the building’s striking public spaces, with dramatic views over the river and city skyline. The SQBA is a true laboratory of unbounded creativity and discovery for both string quartet devotees and newcomers to the genre. As The Guardian said, “it’s Quartet Disney World!”
The first edition in 2018 attracted over 11,000 visitors, exceeding all expectations. For the 2026 edition, we aim for 15,000 visitors. We bring together over 30 string quartets from different backgrounds and ages to create a dynamic and innovative festival, one we believe to be unique in the world. We take on many responsibilities in nurturing and advancing the genre: we commission, produce and present. We embrace the beauty of string quartet repertoire and equally encourage quartets to challenge the form’s boundaries.
We believe that the string quartet is for everybody to enjoy, regardless of age, identity or background. It is clear to us that the values deeply embodied by the string quartet – excellence, equality, craftsmanship and dedication – are more resonant, relevant, and urgently needed than ever in our swiftly changing society. Therefore, we initiated an outreach program with the Leerorkest, a nationwide nonprofit that provides underprivileged children with the opportunity to learn an instrument. For our SQBA Residency program, we scout, promote, and foster talented young quartets, offering coaching and personalized career guidance.
The relevance of American String Quartets and composers for the SQBA
World-class American string quartets like Cleveland, Guarneri, Vermeer, Hollywood, Fine Arts, Juilliard, Emerson, Brentano, Kronos, and Jack have made their mark in music history, and countless great works in the genre were created by American composers. These pieces form an essential part of the core repertoire and are being played by quartets all around the world. American quartets and composers are the modern, inventive, daring, and groundbreaking soul mates of the European quartet tradition. At the String Quartet Biennale, we treasure American quartets and contributions to the repertoire. SQBA has presented the Emerson, Juilliard, Brentano, St. Lawrence, Attacca, Calder, Isidore, and PubliQ quartets and presented numerous works by American composers in every edition, including commissioned premieres.
SQBA American Circle – let’s champion the American string quartet tradition and its future!
In these uncertain times, we hope to solidify the connection between the US’s vibrant quartet tradition and our own young festival to ensure a rich future of cultural exchange and collaboration. We will focus on supporting younger/emerging groups, as participation at the String Quartet Biennale will be a particularly meaningful opportunity for them.
Our cost to invite four American quartets to the festival and to commission a new work by an American composer is approximately $80,000 per edition. To cover part of these costs we would like to assemble a US-based support group that could provide up to $50,000 of funding for each biennial cycle (once every two years) to help underwrite these costs.
With your support:
- We will promote American string quartets and their repertoire;
- Their presence at the String Quartet Biennale will bring them into contact with other world-class.
- European string quartets and a relevant international network of professionals;
- Each festival, we will commission and premiere a new work by an American composer.
Benefits for private donors
Private donors who wish to support us with an annual donation receive the following benefits:
OPUS 18 > from $ 1,000 per year
- Two complimentary tickets for the opening night of our biennial festival in Amsterdam
- A complimentary festival book
- An invitation for two to an exclusive string quartet recital in the US every other year
OPUS 59 > from $ 2,500 per year
- The above mentioned benefits
- An invitation for two to our exclusive opening reception in Amsterdam
- Priority booking service for the festival’s concerts in Amsterdam
OPUS 127 > from $ 5,000 per year
- The above mentioned benefits
- A Meet & Greet with the festivals musicians in Amsterdam
We also welcome one-time donations!
For more information, please contact
Kiki Raposo de Haas
+31(0)626490489
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2. PAY BY CHECK
To make a gift to the String Quartet Biennale Amsterdam at the Netherland-America Foundation, please complete this form and make check payable to “The Netherland-America Foundation”. Please mail your check to:
The Netherland-America Foundation
505 8th Avenue, Ste 12A-05
New York, NY 10018
3. DONATE SHARES OF STOCK
Contact the NAF at 212-825-1221 or info@thenaf.org.
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FOR U.S. TAXES The Netherland-America Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible for the purpose of U. S. federal and state taxes, to the extent permitted by federal and state law. CHARITY NAVIGATOR Charity Navigator, America’s premier charity evaluator, gave the NAF a 4-star rating-their highest-for “its ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances, demonstrating to the public it is worthy of their trust,”
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