District Five Quartet becomes Companion ZHdK
Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) honors five alumni for their achievements. The jazz ensemble District Five Quartet, consisting of Tapiwa Svosve, Vojko Huter, Xaver Rüegg and Paul Amereller, receives the Companion ZHdK. The Honorary Companion ZHdK goes to the multimedia artist Olaf Breuning.
This year, for the first time, the honorary title of Companion goes to an ensemble. The ZHdK writes that the District Five Quartet "impressively succeeded in breaking new ground beyond traditional jazz music with a great deal of experimentation and inventiveness". The ZHdK alumni Tapiwa Svosve, Vojko Huter, Xaver Rüegg and Paul Amereller represented "contemporary and daring jazz with their multi-layered and direct sound art".
This year's Honorary Companion goes to Olaf Breuning. The paintings, videos, installations, sculptures, photographs and performances by the New York-based artist have been shown internationally in numerous exhibitions and are represented in the collections of renowned museums.
The ZHdK awards honorary degrees for outstanding achievements at a young age once a year on University Day. They are not linked to any financial support. Members of the ZHdK can nominate award winners. The Executive Board of the University, advised by a committee, decides on the award.
