The Zurich-based s-ensemble was founded in 2007. In its creative search for a common musical language within the rich world of the piano quartet, the ensemble performs works by the established masters of the genre, such as Mozart, Brahms, Fauré, and Dvorak, as well as pieces by lesser-known composers like Turina, Goetz, Bonis, and Juon. Additionally, the s-ensemble has premiered new works, such as Rodolph Schacher's "Suite pour quatuor" and the Concerto for Piano and Strings by the German-Jewish composer Maria Herz. The latter was broadcasted in 2020 by Radio SRF Kultur and Radio BBC3.

Over its nearly 20-year history, the quartet has performed numerous concerts in Switzerland, Germany, France, and Russia, and has also appeared in expanded formations with guest musicians.

The three string players of the s-ensemble play bows crafted by the bowmaker Fedor Saminski.