String quartet defend their leader in New York dock

The Leipzig Quartet has issued a statement in response to lurid claims made in court at the pre-hearing for violinist Stefan Arzberger on charges of attempted murder, assault and strangulation. The Quartet say:

To whom it may concern: We know our colleague Stefan for more than 20 years. He never needed to meet prostitutes or transsexuals – that is bullshit. But he likes to talk and to meet people. Learning by talking, all over the world. We played in more than 60 countries, trusting each other.. So what happened to him that he could lose the control for the rest of the night? And for sure HE is the victim if you stay away from media nonsense and look to the whole story. But we believe that there are strong signs that he will be ruined and destroyed at the end of the way through US court system – unless he will be found NOT guilty by the people of a jury! Immanuel Kant suggested to use your own brain. Please do so!

The judge is expected to decide today (Monday) whether to restore Stefan’s passport and allow him to resume his place on tour at the head of the quartet.