Photo by Peter Searle
The Fitzwilliam String Quartet appointed as quartet-in-residence at the University of St Andrews Music Centre (October 2018)
As part of the residency the quartet will coach student string players and scholarship groups, and mentor advanced players looking to enter postgraduate study or the music profession. The group will also participate in special projects with university groups such as Byre Opera and the Strings in Spring course.
Michael Downes, the University’s director of music, said: ‘Since the Fitzwilliam String Quartet first visited St Andrews in 2010, they have made an enormous impact on musical life in the university and the town. As one of the few leading British quartets to perform regularly on both modern and period instruments, their incredibly versatile musicianship has been displayed in projects as diverse as productions of Baroque opera, CD recordings with St Salvator’s Chapel Choir, and premiering contemporary works with principals from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.’
Lucy Russell, the quartet’s first violinist, commented: ‘It is a huge privilege to be appointed as the quartet-in-residence. The group is excited to be associated with this exceptional university, and will be delighted to contribute to its already burgeoning musical scene.’
The residency will be launched at a special concert with the St Andrews Chamber Orchestra on 20 October.
Michael Downes, the University’s director of music, said: ‘Since the Fitzwilliam String Quartet first visited St Andrews in 2010, they have made an enormous impact on musical life in the university and the town. As one of the few leading British quartets to perform regularly on both modern and period instruments, their incredibly versatile musicianship has been displayed in projects as diverse as productions of Baroque opera, CD recordings with St Salvator’s Chapel Choir, and premiering contemporary works with principals from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.’
Lucy Russell, the quartet’s first violinist, commented: ‘It is a huge privilege to be appointed as the quartet-in-residence. The group is excited to be associated with this exceptional university, and will be delighted to contribute to its already burgeoning musical scene.’
The residency will be launched at a special concert with the St Andrews Chamber Orchestra on 20 October.
FITZWILLIAM STRING QUARTET AT 50!
The founding members of the FSQ first sat down together in The Gaskoin Room at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, in October 1968 – as undergraduates during their inaugural term. Their first concert appearance took place in Churchill College the following March, before their public debut at the Sheffield Arts Festival in June. This makes them one of the longest established string quartets in the world – and possibly unique in having reached this milestone with an original player still on board! An extensive diary of celebratory events is already in place, beginning with a week of six performances at the end of September, from Hay-on-Wye to Winchester to Cumbria to Yorkshire, and now extending to Spring 2020. There will also be new CD recordings issued: of quartets by Schubert on gut, and a double album of specific works by Shostakovich with which they have a special connection.
A concert in the Quire of Winchester Cathedral at 8pm on Sunday 30 September will be celebrating the life of Alan Hacker, and raising money for Jessie’s Fund.
Alan was a clarinettist and conductor with unusually wide-ranging enthusiasms. He would have been celebrating his 80th birthday on this day. Family, friends and colleagues have come together to offer this tribute to his life and work, through music that represents some of his significant repertoire.
For tickets and more information, visit Winchester Festival
Alan was a clarinettist and conductor with unusually wide-ranging enthusiasms. He would have been celebrating his 80th birthday on this day. Family, friends and colleagues have come together to offer this tribute to his life and work, through music that represents some of his significant repertoire.
For tickets and more information, visit Winchester Festival
Nov 24, 4 pm: SPRINGHEAD ECHOES Gospel Oak, London
Mozart's Clarinet Quintet with Mandy Burvill and new works by Ian Stephens.
In aid of the Alzheimer's Society and Parkinson's UK
Mozart's Clarinet Quintet with Mandy Burvill and new works by Ian Stephens.
In aid of the Alzheimer's Society and Parkinson's UK
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Liz Johnson - Intricate Web“Intricate Web was the first work she wrote for the Fitzwilliam String Quartet, who plays it—and the other quartet works on the program—with impeccable finesse and sensitivity, despite their ferocious difficulty.” - Fanfare, USA
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Bruckner - Quintet & Quartet"The Fitzwilliam Quartet have uncovered the Quintet's marvels."
-*****5 star review from Stephen Johnson, BBC Music Magaine February 2016 Listen at Linn Records
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