‘This amazing ensemble of super-hyper soloists’ – Hans Haffmans, Netherlands NPO Radio 4
ACE – Amsterdam Chamber Ensemble ACE is a distinguished collective of musicians celebrated for their dynamic performances. With repertoire spanning classical masterpieces and contemporary works, the ensemble has graced renowned venues and appeared as a quintet (the five core members), a chamber orchestra, and everything in between. The 5 founding members are the core of ACE: Daniel Rowland, violin & leader Dana Zemtsov, viola Maja Bogdanović, cello Nicholas Schwartz, double bass Anna Fedorova, piano
The ensemble guarantees daring, sparkling and passionate performances of both the beloved famous repertoire and brand new works, and looks for surprising combinations and contrasts.
Daniel Rowland – Violin Daniel Rowland’s artistry has been widely praised by critics. Gramophone lauded his “fiery intensity,” while The Guardian described his playing as “ravishing in its finesse.” NRC Handelsblad noted his “naked, vulnerable and extremely virtuosic playing,” and The Herald commended his “astonishing sound and uniquely single-minded intensity.” Dana Zemtsov – Viola Reviewers collectively underscore Dana Zemtsov’s exceptional technique, expressive depth, and her ability to bring new life to the viola repertoire. Gramophone noted that her double stopping was “so perfectly tuned, so varied in colour and with such considerable distances in the intervals between the notes that you would be forgiven for thinking it sounded more like a chamber orchestra.”
Maja Bogdanović – Cello The Strad lauded Maja Bogdanović’s debut recital at Carnegie’s Weill Hall, describing it as “an outstanding performance of exceptional tonal beauty and great maturity of interpretation.” Pizzicato praised her rendition of Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1, noting her “enchantingly lyrical but always excitedly communicative playing” . Diapason awarded her album Lalo & Saint-Saëns Cello Concertos a 5-star rating, affirming that “This magnificent French program confirms that Maja Bogdanović is one of the most interesting performers today.”
Nicholas Schwartz – Double Bass The Strad hails Nicholas Schwartz as a “masterful bassist across the repertoire.” Schwartz is a member of the Concertgebouw Orchestra and his exceptional technique and expressive playing have solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the world of double bass. Anna Fedorova – Piano Gramophone lauded Anna Fedorova’s playing as “unfailingly sensitive, poetic and tasteful,” noting her ability to shape phrases flexibly even in challenging passages. Menahem Pressler praised her Chopin performance, stating, “Her beautiful sound and natural freedom in making music with total technical security makes for one of the finest Chopin performances I have heard in a long, long time.” Positive Feedback highlighted her as “among the greatest pianists performing and recording today.” Programme Proposals (2026/27)
ACE UNLIMITED
Mahler / Schnittke: Piano Quartet (18) Tchaikovsky: June, October, November & December from the Seasons (18) Schnittke /Arr. Vladimir Mendelssohn: Agony tango (5) Piazzolla/ Bragato: Invierno & Primavera from ‘the four seasons of Buenos Aires’ Schubert: Quintet in A major ‘The trout’ (35) Vladimir Mendelssohn: Urban lark (5)
TROUT The famous Trout Quintet combined with the rarely played, incredibly passionate and captivating Quintet by Vaughan Willams.
Vaughan Williams: Quintet in C minor Schubert: Trout Quintet
CELEBRATING SHOSTAKOVICH
The 50 years of DSCH’s death is on 9 August 2025. This programme celebrates the lighter side of Shostakovich, with various premiers of our arrangements, centered around the great Piano Quintet. Shostakovich: 3 Preludes – originally for piano, here in our arrangements Shostakovich: 5 Pieces (ACE arrangements) Shostakovich: Elegy and Polka for string quartet, with bass added i Shostakovich: Waltz from Jazz Suite (arr. by Jacky Thomas) Shostakovich: Piano Quintet
