BIOGRAPHY
The Philharmonic String Quartet represents chamber musical excellence of the Berlin Philharmonic: cosmopolitan, versatile and artistically passionate.
Out of a desire to make music together with enthusiasm, the Philharmonic String Quartet was founded in 2018, and features three members of the Berlin Philharmonic – Dorian Xhoxhi (violin), Helena Berg (violin) and Naoko Shimizu (viola) — and the esteemed soloist Christoph Heesch (cello). The balance between powerful freshness and rich, philharmonic sound particularly distinguishes this ensemble. “The Philharmonic String Quartet captivates the audience from the first note.” (Rondo Magazine 5/14/2022)
The musicians are aware that they are following in great footsteps: with the Philharmonic String Quartet they are continuing the venerable tradition of the Berlin Philharmonic’s ensembles of making chamber music at the highest level. All four musicians have won various top-class competitions and have vast experience in various chamber music formations. The Philharmonic String Quartet offers them the opportunity to create their own musical expression. They feel less committed to a certain style than to their virtuosity, and they follow the motto of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: “…because we love to talk to all kinds of masters – with the old and modern.”
BIOGRAPHY
The Philharmonic String Quartet represents chamber musical excellence of the Berlin Philharmonic: cosmopolitan, versatile and artistically passionate.
Out of a desire to make music together with enthusiasm, the Philharmonic String Quartet was founded in 2018, and features three members of the Berlin Philharmonic – Dorian Xhoxhi (violin), Helena Berg (violin) and Naoko Shimizu (viola) — and the esteemed soloist Christoph Heesch (cello). The balance between powerful freshness and rich, philharmonic sound particularly distinguishes this ensemble. “The Philharmonic String Quartet captivates the audience from the first note.” (Rondo Magazine 5/14/2022)
The musicians are aware that they are following in great footsteps: with the Philharmonic String Quartet they are continuing the venerable tradition of the Berlin Philharmonic’s ensembles of making chamber music at the highest level. All four musicians have won various top-class competitions and have vast experience in various chamber music formations. The Philharmonic String Quartet offers them the opportunity to create their own musical expression. They feel less committed to a certain style than to their virtuosity, and they follow the motto of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: “…because we love to talk to all kinds of masters – with the old and modern.”
February 2026
Concert 08.03.2026 in Bilbao (ESP)
Concert on 8 March 2026 at 2:00 pm
Palacio Euskalduna Bilbao
Programme:
L. v. Beethoven – String Quartet Op. 18 No. 6 in B-flat major
A. Dvořák – String Quartet No. 12, Op. 96 in F major, “American”
Dorian Xhoxhi – violin
Helena Madoka Berg – violin
Martin Stegner – viola
Christoph Heesch – cello
Further information :
January 2026
Concert 15.02.2026 Desenzano del Garda (IT)
Program:
- W. A. Mozart – Divertimento in D major, K. 136
- A. Dvořák – String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, “American Quartet”
——— Intermission ———
- F. Schubert – String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, “Death and the Maiden”
Performers:
- Helena Madoka Berg – violin
- Dorian Xhoxhi – violin
- Martin von der Nahmer – viola
- Christoph Heesch – cello
Further information at:
New Year’s Concert In Duingen (GER)
Concert on January 11, 2026, at St. Catherine’s Church (Katharinenkirche), Duingen
Program:
- W. A. Mozart – Divertimento in D major, K. 136
- A. Dvořák – String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, “American Quartet”
——— Intermission ———
- F. Schubert – String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, “Death and the Maiden”
Philharmonic String Quartet:
- Helena Madoka Berg – violin
- Dorian Xhoxhi – violin
- Martin Stegner – viola
- Christoph Heesch – cello
February 2026
Concert 08.03.2026 in Bilbao (ESP)
Concert on 8 March 2026 at 2:00 pm
Palacio Euskalduna Bilbao
Programme:
L. v. Beethoven – String Quartet Op. 18 No. 6 in B-flat major
A. Dvořák – String Quartet No. 12, Op. 96 in F major, “American”
Dorian Xhoxhi – violin
Helena Madoka Berg – violin
Martin Stegner – viola
Christoph Heesch – cello
Further information :
January 2026
Concert 15.02.2026 Desenzano del Garda (IT)
Program:
- W. A. Mozart – Divertimento in D major, K. 136
- A. Dvořák – String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, “American Quartet”
——— Intermission ———
- F. Schubert – String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, “Death and the Maiden”
Performers:
- Helena Madoka Berg – violin
- Dorian Xhoxhi – violin
- Martin von der Nahmer – viola
- Christoph Heesch – cello
Further information at:
New Year’s Concert In Duingen (GER)
Concert on January 11, 2026, at St. Catherine’s Church (Katharinenkirche), Duingen
Program:
- W. A. Mozart – Divertimento in D major, K. 136
- A. Dvořák – String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, “American Quartet”
——— Intermission ———
- F. Schubert – String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, “Death and the Maiden”
Philharmonic String Quartet:
- Helena Madoka Berg – violin
- Dorian Xhoxhi – violin
- Martin Stegner – viola
- Christoph Heesch – cello
VIDEOS
VIDEOS
