completing their training at Swiss and European schools of music: their interpretation of Schuberts octet was recorded by Radio

de la Suisse Romande as well as by the German label aurophon classics . The ensemble confirmed its reputation over the following years and its members participated in international master classes, won prizes at national and international music competitions and earned positions in eminent Swiss orchestras (e .g ., the Tonhalle Zurich, the Basle Symphony Orchestra) and as teachers at conservatories and universities in Switzerland . The ensemble continually has expanded its repertoire of classic-romantic works (Beethovens Septet, Mozarts and Brahms Clarinet Quintets) as well as contemporary compositions, such as the premiere of Peter Wettsteins Fnf plus Drei in 1995, Franz Tischhausers Octet (1953) for a concert tour to Rome sponsored by the Pro Helvetia Foundation, and Jean Franaix Octet (1972) and Divertimento (1968) became standard works in their repertory . The ensemble has diversified and broadened their programmes through collaborations with eminent artists such as Linard Bardill, tenor Stever Davislim, percussionist Andreas Berger (Tonhalle Zurich), and Jrg Schneider . The Swiss Octet Foundation was established in 1997 in order to promote and support the ensemble in their extensive concert activities and in the financing of recording projects . In 2001 the CD Variationen was released; something of a summary of the ensembles first ten years of artistic activities . The Swiss Octet presented a completely new facet of Swiss folk music for the national exhibition Expo 02, arranging melodies from the Hanny Christen Collection for classical octet ensemble . The programme Heimwrts [homeward bound] (as well as the programmes Verliebt in Zrich [in love with Zurich] and Marchstei, released by Musique Suisse) have proven to be enduring hits . The recording of their French concert tour programme Swiss Octet in Paris with arrangements by H . Hoerni is further example of the ensembles diversity .

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