The Sebestyén-Quartet (Kodály Quartet) founded in 1966 in Budapest, Hungary originally as Sebestyén Quartet. In 1969, with the approval of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of the Hungarian Republic, the quartet assumed its present name in honour of the Hungarian composer Zoltán Kodály. In the same year, they participated in the Geneva International Music Competition and won second prize. In 1968, the quartet won first prize at the Budapest International String Quartet Competition held in memory of Leo Weiner. This meant international recognition and appreciation.
The ensemble tours internationally, and has recorded the complete cycles of Haydn, Beethovenand Schubert for the Naxos label. Its discography exceeds sixty recordings, mainly for Naxos. In the same year, they participated in the Geneva International Music Competition and won second prize. In 1968, the quartet won first prize at the Budapest International String Quartet Competition held in memory of Leo Weiner. This meant international recognition and appreciation. In addition to concerts at home and appearances on the radio and television, the Sebestyén quartet has also concertised in Switzerland, Austria, Italy, West Germany and France. The string trio formed from the ensemble (Ernő Sebestyén, Gábor Fias and János Devich) won the Munich International Competition in 1969.
Their Ravel & Dvorak Hungaroton recording session is staff favorite.
