Cellist Gustav Rivinius won the first-prize gold medal at the 1990 International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. In addition to his work as a soloist, he has maintained an extensive chamber music career and helped found the Gasparo da Salò Trio, Arkas Trio, Rivinius Piano Quartet, Tammuz Piano Quartet, and Bartholdy String Quintet. He has taught at the University of Music in Saarbrücken and given international masterclasses.