Kukal Quartet string quartet

The Kukal Quartet was founded in Autumn of 2020 by four exceptionally talented young musicians, who, notwithstanding their youth, have great respect for the legacy of the Czech quartet school. Eliška Halečková Kukal, Klára Lešková, Daniel Macho and Filip Rufer form a respected and sought-after ensemble of the youngest generation of Czech artists.

In May 2021 the ensemble attracted attention by winning third prize and the Laureate title at the Prague Spring International Music Competition. The quartet impressed at the competition primarily with; the liveliness and authenticity of their musical expression, the unique ensemble dynamics and the strong individuality of its members. The Quartet were inspired and mentored by leading personalities of the Czech music scene such as Peter Jarůšek (Pavel Haas Quartet), Jakub Fišer (Bennewitz Quartet) and Tomáš Jamník.

The Kukal Quartet performed already at the most renowned Czech festivals like International Music festival of Dvořák Prague and The Prague Spring. In 2024 they will guests of renowned international music festivals in Germany, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Spain. 

The quartet had the opportunity to participate in masterclasses with Yo- Yo Ma, Noah Bendix Balgley, Allan Nilles, Josef Špaček, Jan Fišer and Lukáš Vondráček.

The quartet bears the name of the important Czech contemporary composer, Ondřej Kukal.