Pro Arte Quartet

The Pro Arte Quartet is a distinguished string quartet with a storied history dating back to its founding in 1912. Originally established in Brussels, Belgium, the quartet was initially formed by students at the Brussels Conservatoire, gaining early recognition for their performances. In 1940, during a U.S. tour, the outbreak of World War II prevented them from returning to Europe, resulting in an invitation to join the faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This made them one of the first-ever artist-in-residence ensembles at an American university. The Pro Arte Quartet is celebrated for its interpretations of both classic and contemporary chamber music. Over the years, it has premiered numerous works by prominent composers and has built a legacy as one of the longest-running string quartets in the world. Its members have continually changed, but the ensemble's commitment to excellence and innovation has remained steadfast.