Odeion String Quartet

The Odeion String Quartet (OSQ), established at the UFS in 1991, stands as a testament to the university's unwavering commitment to the performing arts. As the sole resident string quartet at a South African university, the OSQ plays a pivotal role in the development of symphony orchestra music and classical music training, inspiring communities across the Free State.

The Quartet currently consists of Samantha Durrant (first violinist), Sharon de Kock (second violinist), Jeanne-Louise Moolman (violist) and Chris van Zyl (cellist) who is standing in while Anmari van der Westhuizen is on research leave.

The quartet's performances, a regular feature in all major South African cities and national arts festivals, have garnered significant recognition. Their accolades include the Kanna Prize for the Best Classical Production at KKNK (2014), the Vryfees Award for the Best Debut Artist (2014), the Vryfees Award for the Best Debut Production (2016), the Vryfees Award for the Best Free State Production (2018), and the UFS Alumni Ambassador’s Prize (2014).

The quartet's contributions were further acknowledged with three KykNET Fiësta nominations (2015; 2016; 2021), a “Woordtrofee” nomination (2020), and the prestigious Huberte Rupert Prize from the South African Academy for Science and Arts in 2019.

The quartet members are devoted to teaching and play an important role as teachers and mentors at the Odeion School of Music (OSM) at the UFS. They are also an essential part of the UFS’ collaboration with the FSSO, the FSYO, and the OSM.

The Odeion String Quartet are the custodians of the Quartet of Peace instruments.