AKELA is a Danish string quartet formed in autumn 2019 at the Royal Danish Academy of Music, where the four members - Clara Glasdam and Gustav Ranum (violins), Kirsten Wilbrandt Kjær (viola) and Oskar Reuben Friis-Hansen (cello) - had already played together since childhood through the Danish Youth Ensemble. Studying in the soloist class under Professor Tim Frederiksen and the Danish String Quartet, they have won first prizes at ENKOR (2021) and the LFN International Chamber Music Competition (2022), and received the Carl Nielsen and Anne Marie Carl Nielsen Talent Award (2023) and the Léonie Sonning Talent Prize (2024). Since 2023 they have been part of the EU-funded MERITA platform, performing at European heritage sites, and in November 2024 they released their debut album of Sune Kølster's two string quartets on vinyl, CD and streaming.
AKELA performed at Herregårdsmuseet Selsø Slot as part of the Selsø-Hornsherred Musikforening summer concert series.
AKELA performed in Hjørring with pianist Gustav Piekut in a program featuring Nordic songs, Beethoven and Schumann's piano quintet.
AKELA performed at Casa Batlló in Barcelona as part of the EU-supported MERITA project with a program that combined classical music and mindfulness.
AKELA released the debut album with Sune Kølster's two string quartets on vinyl, CD and streaming, and celebrated the release with a release concert at Musikhuset København on November 29, 2024.
AKELA received the Leonie Sonning Talent Prize of 100,000 kr., awarded by the Léonie Sonning Music Foundation.
Young Danish string quartet Akela performs Bartók and Sibelius alongside Danish songs arranged with Phillip Faber.
Young Danish string quartet Akela performs works by Bartók and Sibelius alongside Danish songs arranged by Phillip Faber at Sønderborg Castle.
Membership in Kammermusikforeningen af 1911 offering access to classical chamber music throughout the season. Includes two guest tickets to concerts featuring ensembles such as NOVO Quartet, Vokalensemblet Vigdis, and more.
The string quartet AKELA performs at Garnisonskirken with Kammermusikforeningen af 1911.