Peter Schidlof

Peter Schidlof (born Hans Schidlof; 9 July 1922 – 16 August 1987) was an Austrian-British violist and co-founder of the Amadeus Quartet.

Life and career Born in Göllersdorf near Vienna, Schidlof fled Austria for England following the Nazi Anschluss in 1938. He left Austria in December 1938, together with his younger sister Ilse, as part of the Kindertransport programme. He won a scholarship to Blundell's School in Devon. Following the start of World War II in September 1939 and enactment of Defence Regulation 18B, he was interned in Onchan Internment Camp on the Isle of Man as an enemy alien. He was interned from August 1939 to April 1941.

Awards and recognition The Amadeus was one of the most celebrated quartets of the 20th century, and its members were awarded numerous honors, including:

The Order of the British Empire, presented by the Queen. The highest of all German awards, the Federal Grand Cross of Merit. The Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art. Doctorates from the Universities of London, York, and Caracas.