Paganini Ensemble

Bösendorferstr.12

1010 Wien

 

Performers:
Paganini Ensemble
November 17, 2025 | Wiener Musikverein – Duration approx. 2 hours

Artists:
Mario Hossen – Violin, Artistic Director
Marta Potulska – Viola
Liliana Kehayova – Cello
Alexander Swete – Guitar

Paganini Ensemble – Chamber Music with Passion
After last year’s great success, the Paganini Ensemble returns to the Wiener Musikverein.
Under the direction of internationally acclaimed Paganini interpreter Mario Hossen, the ensemble is devoted to Paganini’s rarely performed chamber music masterpieces, which combine virtuosity with Italian bel canto and refined poetic sound.

The program includes two world premieres by Alessandro Solbiati and Rainer Bischof, opening a contemporary dialogue with Paganini’s legacy, as well as a tribute to Fritz Kreisler for his 150th birthday.

An evening of historical depth and modern inspiration – passionate, virtuosic, moving.

Program:
Niccolò Paganini – Quartet No. 2 in C Major, op. 4, M.S. 29
Niccolò Paganini – Terzetto concertante for Viola, Cello, and Guitar, M.S. 114
Alessandro Solbiatti – Ghirribizzi (World Premiere, Commission)

Intermission

Niccolò Paganini – Introduzione e Variazioni on “Nel cor più non mi sento,” M.S. 44 (Violin Solo)
Fritz Kreisler – Liebesleid & Liebesfreud (150th Anniversary)
Rainer Bischof – Quartetto in Modo di Paganini (World Premiere, Commission)
Niccolò Paganini – Quartet No. 9 in B-flat Major, M.S. 35

About the Paganini Ensemble:
The Paganini Ensemble Vienna was founded in 2019 by Mario Hossen, with the goal of highlighting Niccolò Paganini’s chamber music. Its original instrumentation – violin, guitar, viola, and cello – reflects Paganini’s own preference. With a historically informed approach, the ensemble blends virtuoso brilliance, Italian bel canto, and emotional depth.

Between 2021 and 2024, the ensemble performed in major concert halls and renowned festivals in Europe, Canada, and China – including the Musikverein Vienna, Konzerthaus Vienna, Ghent Festival, Auditorio Nacional de Música Madrid, Paganini Festival Genoa, Liszt Festival Raiding, and Collingwood Music Festival (Canada).

As the official ambassador of the European Paganini Route (EPR), the ensemble is dedicated to preserving and sharing Paganini’s musical heritage, collaborating closely with institutions such as the “Amici di Paganini” Society Genoa and the Biblioteca Casanatense Rome. Their work is supported by musicologists Dr. Mariateresa Dellabora and Dr. Danilo Prefumo.

The ensemble also engages with contemporary music: many composers – including Rainer Bischof, Gheorghi Arnaoudov, Richard Dünser, and Gabriele Proy – have written works especially for them, premiered in their interpretations.

Currently, a complete recording of Paganini’s chamber works is in progress with the Italian label Dynamic.

“We must feel deeply in order to make others feel.” — Niccolò Paganini