Go behind the scenes as the Danish String Quartet received the Léonie Sonning Music Prize 202

For the first time in the history of the Léonie Sonning Music Prize, the award went to an ensemble, and not just any ensemble. The Danish String Quartet is recognized as one of the world’s leading string quartets, and their musical range has spanned everything from the finest chamber music to folk music and innovative cross-disciplinary projects.

In the weeks leading up to the grand prize concert on 5 June at the Royal Danish Academy of Music’s Concert Hall together with tthe Danish National Symphony Orchestra, the DR Girls’ Choir, and patron H.M. The King, who presented the award, we followed the quartet on a very special journey. This became a nationwide tour featuring
intimate chamber concerts, a music drama performance with Lars Mikkelsen at the Bellevue Theatre, and a festive folk music celebration at Refshaleøen.

Photographer Nikolaj Lund was there every step of the way. Backstage, on stage, and in the midst of the music. He captured the quartet’s energy, camaraderie, and ability to unite genres and audiences across traditional boundaries. Radio host and cultural mediator Benedikte Granvig conducted the interview.

The documentary offered a unique insight into what it means to stand on the threshold of one of the world’s greatest classical music prizes, and to do it entirely on their own terms.