A unique music initiative

"I am writing what I believe will be a beautiful piece, not least of all because the concept and spirit of the Quartet of Peace is truly humanising."

Uxolo (Zulu/Xhosa for forgiveness) by Eugene Skeef - Composer

“The light still soft and ethereal is gladly embraced by the bougainvillea and strelitzias, which are in full bloom, not yet dimmed by the harsh African sun. Their colours are more vivid now than at any other time, reflecting what I hope to achieve as I begin making a unique String Quartet.”

Brain Lisus - Violin maker

“I believe that this remarkable project is energised and brought to life by the integrity of its intentions, bringing into being the essence of peace through the most poweful of universal languages. ”

Jessica Bailey - Our Patron

“The Quartet of Peace is an ingenious concept that will allow us as performing artists to in our own way, spread the South African miracle of Peace and Democracy whilst making meaningful and ongoing financial contributions to fellow humans less fortunate than ourselves."

Peter Martens - Cellist

“Somehow it seems that the ideals inspired by the four Nobel Peace Prize Laureates whom we pay tribute to through the Quartet of Peace are echoed within every person involved with the project. There is a sense of affinity, rapport, understanding and harmony that flows in and through the Quartet of Peace and will surely reach its destination by bringing music and joy into young lives.”

Valerie Pole - Project Coordinator

“All South Africans are indebted to our four Nobel Peace Prize winners who, each in very different ways and circumstances, secured a brighter future for our nation. I am honoured to be part of a group playing on instruments dedicated to four inspirational and courageous men.”

David Juritz - Violinist

“From the very moment that Brian Lisus offered me a DVD copy of the Quartet of Peace Presentation I have felt the power and inspiration for this unique project. The message from four great men of the rainbow nation transmuting from the darkness to the light, striving towards peace and harmony, resonates so strongly in the concept of the Quartet of Peace.”

Lainey Trequesser - Project facilitator

“As a South African violinist I am immensely proud and humbled to be a part of this project. May the message it conveys be long lasting and far reaching.”

Suzanne Martens - Violinist

“Assisting in the art of creation of these subtly balanced instruments is inspirational.  It is an honour to work alongside a Master-craftsman who has maintained such a love and reverence for what he does.”

Vincent Lourens - Violin maker

“My deepest gratitude goes to Brian Lisus for initiating this wonderful project. Four instruments, four individual bodies of sound, built alongside each other to vibrate in harmony and resonate light into some of the darkest places on our planet. May all the musicians in the world that will play this quartet in the future be inspired by the ideals of our rainbow nation.”

Gareth Lubbe - Violist

“It is such an honour for me to be assisting Brian with this unique project. The soul of this humble man is clearly reflected in both his exceptional craftsmanship, and his constant desire to help others. This project gives these qualities an opportunity to shine through the medium of music and peace, the two things closest to his heart.”

Sharon Peddie - Violin maker

“Que les instruments du « Quatuor de la Paix » réalisés par le maître luthier sud-africain Brian Lisus soient de merveilleux symboles qui porteront le message de paix, d’harmonie, d’humanité, de liberté et d’amour au cœur des hommes par le langage universel de la musique.”

Jean-Pierre Wallez - Violinist and conductor

“The Quartet for Peace project, through the combination of beautifully crafted instruments, unique composition and fine performance, celebrates the hope that grows in the hearts of South Africans.”

Jane Theron - Harpist

“It is an honour to be involved in this incredible initiative. The combination of four bespoke crafted instruments dedicated to peace, with world leading musicians playing them globally is a very powerful yet simple message. ”

Colin Maltby - Coordinator London concert

“The Quartet of Peace is a wonderful initiative that embraces the legacy and leadership of four men whom have shaped the course of history to bring democracy in South Africa. Music is yet another powerful reminder that we share more as human beings than we are willing to admit. I am honoured to part of this project.”

Samson Diamond - Violinist

“The string quartet has long been both beneficiary and bearer of the most intimate, personal and consequently most universal expressions of humanity ever penned. It is absolutely fitting that this medium, in the guise of the Quartet of Peace, should serve in an extended yet allied capacity: As a vessel for upliftment and a masthead of common ground. I am thrilled to be part of it.”

Xandi van Dijk - Violist

“An Inspring group of men that have given our country a brighter future, because of them our youth holds endless possibilities of success. I am excited to be part of this valuble and satisfying initiative.”

Abel Selacoe - Cellist

“When the germ of the idea for the Quartet of Peace was shared with me in 2004, I felt drawn to it inexorably. I have been in its thrall ever since – by turns inspired, excited or bubbling with joy. I am amazed at what a band of volunteers has achieved over the past six years."

David Daitz - Director and facilitator of our European tour 2010

“Playing the "Mandela" Cello of the peace quartet was an honour and a privlege for me. It is a beautiful Cello , with a stunning sound, clearly made by a master Luthier. The project is innovative admirable and wonderfully inspirational. I am proud to be associated with it. I wish the Peace Quartet every success."

Marian Lewin - Cellist

"It is an initiative which deserves as much success on the concert platform as it does with the greater vision which inspired it, so that many may benefit for years to come and in so many different ways."

Karin Gaertner - Violist

"This is a wonderful realisation of the symbolic hope that we as South Africans carry for our country. It is with delight that I add my voice to the Quartet of Peace."

François Arzul - Violinist

"I am very honoured to be a member of such a unique project. My prayer is to bring peace, hope, freedom and reconciliation worldwide through my compositions and my playing."

Jane Price - Violinist, Violist & Composer

"Where the actions of our four Nobel Peace Prize winners inspire; the Quartet of Peace echo to remind everyone of the necessity to unite and help those in need. The music is our expression, what is yours?"

Vicente Espi - Violinist

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