The quartet attracted international recognition as the first group to record and perform all 15 Shostakovich String Quartets. Shostakovich travelled to York to hear their performance of his 13th quartet, and this musical friendship prospered through correspondence, and the Western premieres of his final 3 quartets. Whilst their pre-eminence in the interpretation of Shostakovich has persisted, they have also gained recognition for their service to composers from the early 17th century to the present day. The quartet tours extensively worldwide, and has produced many award-winning recordings for Decca, Linn, and Divine Art.