Kállai String Quartet

The Kállai String Quartet gave its debut in 2015 at the Solti Hall of the Liszt Academy, performing works by Haydn, Bartók, and Dohnányi. Within just six months of its formation, the ensemble earned second prize at the Società Umanitaria International Music Competition in Milan, followed in 2016 by first prize at the Leó Weiner Chamber Music Competition.

Founder Ernő Kállai, a dedicated chamber musician, studied the string quartet repertoire with renowned mentors such as Earl Carlyss of the Juilliard Quartet and Merry Peckham of the Cavani Quartet. The ensemble’s principal mentor became János Devich, and they also worked closely with Gábor Takács-Nagy.

The quartet has appeared at many of Hungary’s most prestigious venues, including the Liszt Academy, the Vigadó, Müpa Budapest, the Erkel Theatre, MOM Cultural Center, the Marble Hall of Hungarian Radio, Nádor Hall, Óbuda Társaskör, and FUGA. Their festival invitations include the Auer Festival in Veszprém, the Zemplén Festival, the Quartettissimo Festival, and the Budapest Quartet Weekend.

Although the Kállai String Quartet was active only until 2013, at the invitation of the Cziffra Festival they will reunite in 2026 for a special concert appearance.