1. VOGLER QUARTET
Our season opens with a thrilling programme played by the renowned German quartet who are marking their 25th anniversary - and with the same players throughout. “The Vogler Quartet belongs in the highest category of contemporary string quartets. They play with a wonderful expressive ease and warmth and possess the unteachable knack of being able to communicate everything they do directly and unaffectedly.’”The Guardian
2. TAKACS QUARTET
We are hugely privileged to welcome back one of the world’s very best ensembles. "The Takács have the ability to make you believe that there’s no other possible way the music should go, and the strength to overturn preconceptions that comes only with the greatest performers." Gramophone
3. BELINDA WILLIAMS (mezzo soprano) and JAMES BAILLIEU (piano)
programme to include
Belinda Williams is a 2010 winner of the Young Artists Platform run by the Tillett Trust, who have an excellent 30 year record of supporting highly promising artists at the start of their professional careers. James Baillieu is winning many prizes and also has a very bright future. Their programme includes a Mahler masterwork and an intriguing selection of 20th century English songs to texts by Shakespeare.
4. NASH ENSEMBLE
The Nash Ensemble as a remarkable reputation for the sensitivity and musicality of their playing. This concert is sure to be a musical feast. “this national treasure of an ensemble” The Times
5. DANISH QUARTET
Winners of the 2009 London International String Quartet competition, the Danish Quartet’s international standing is rising steadily. Who better to play one of Nielsen’s too rarely heard quartets. "They bring a freshness and energy plus a level of sheer accomplishment that I don’t ever remember hearing in these works." Gramophone
6. LONDON CONCHORD ENSEMBLE
This ensemble of internationally recognised young artists drawn from leading British orchestras offers a programme of fascinating contrasts in style. “The ensemble clicks perfectly, the playing seemingly effortless and a regard for precision never stifling the musicians’ natural feeling for life and breath.” BBC Music Magazine
7. HEATH QUARTET
The Heath Quartet is one of the most exciting young quartets around today and are rapidly becoming much more widely known. “The Heath Quartet displayed a rare musicality .. A keen interpretative insight combined with refined playing, this is one of the most interesting young quartets I have heard in recent years.” The Strad Magazine
8. STEVEN OSBORNE (piano)
- Sonata in C minor D.958
- Sonata in A major D.959
- Sonata in B flat D.960
The striking range and beauty of Schubert’s last three sonatas and Steve Osborne’s highly sensitive and intelligent pianism promise to be a most memorable climax to the season. “You could have heard a pin drop. Steven Osborne’s power over the hall was absolute…the atmosphere was spellbound. ” Daily Telegraph