The Mazer String Quartet Society is a very active association with historic roots. It is named after Johan Mazer, who was an enthusiastic music friend and even in 1823 ran an intensive chamber music activity in, amongst other places, his summer residence in Djurgården, Stockholm.

Through his will in 1847 he laid the ground for our unique society, which uninterrupted since 13 January 1849 has collected chamber music enthusiasts during the winter half year to 'perform quartets and chamber music'.

The Mazer String Quartet Society is a chamber music association which has amongst its membership amateur musicians (both experienced and inexperienced), professional artistes and listeners. The one thing they all have in common is a love of chamber music. Many of Sweden's foremost chamber musicians play together with more or less skilled amateurs. The society has been of great importance in the development of the Swedish string quartet.

How "Mazer" works

Every Monday evening from September to May (with the exception of major holidays) we have a soirée. Three works are usually played, preferably with different groups. The programme committee strive after variation between string quartets, trios, duos and larger ensembles.

Some established groups exist within the association, but the majority of performances are given by groups put together for the occasion. These groups are often built by individual initiative, while in some cases the music director and program council help in the organisation. The purpose of these soirées is to perform chamber music in an intimate environment, with a limited audience and without restrictive quality demands.

The society organises chamber music courses and play-ins for its members and a small number of guests. In January a weekend course is held in Sigtuna from Friday to Sunday where about 12 groups study their works under the guidance of four prominent teaching chamber musicians. During a Saturday in March and a weekend in October a chamber music meeting or play-in is organised where members can make music during sessions of 2.5 hours in ten rooms simultaneously at a fine mansion at Riddersvik on the edge of Stockholm. Other courses and play-ins are organised at various times.