The leading Czech quartet, The Škampa, open our season and their programme includes a work by Dvořák to mark the centenary of the composer’s death. The rest of the concert has a Bohemian flavour. The Škampa’s recording of the Smetana they are playing for us was recently given a rare five-star verdict in The Times.
Dvořák Quartet in F, Op. 96 ‘American’
Janáček Quartet No. 1 in E minor ‘Kreutzer’
Suk Meditation on St. Wenceslas Chorale
Smetana Quartet No. 1 in E minor ‘From My Life’
Onyx Brass call their concert ‘A Brass Odyssey’ – music from the Renaissance to the present day – and they will include a wide range of compositions. You won’t often get Monteverdi, Holborne, Handel, Brahms and Malcolm Arnold in the same concert.
Morgan Szymanski, a guitarist born in Mexico, and Ruth Rogers (violin) are both sponsored by the Countess of Munster Trust. Morgan was recently selected by the Young Concert Artists Trust who launch the most talented young players on their career. Ruth is also a prize winner so these are two to watch.
De Falla Spanish Songs
Bach Violin Partita No. 3 in E
Bartók Rumanian Dances
Piazzolla Histoire du Tango
Unusually we have two string quartet concerts in the season, but there is a very good reason for this. The second visiting quartet are The Lindsays, the world-famous group who have announced they are retiring in 2005, so we have taken the opportunity to be among the last audiences to hear their wonderful playing. The Lindsays are often asked what is their favourite concert – it is the Haydn, Bartók and Beethoven they have decided to play for us.
Haydn Quartet in D, Op. 76 No. 5
Bartók Quartet No. 2
Beethoven Quartet in F, Op. 135
The Camerata Ensemble make a welcome return visit for the final concert, which will include two great works from the classical repertoire – the Mozart clarinet quintet and the Schubert Octet. A very good end to what we hope will be a very good season.
Martinů Serenade No. 2
Mozart Clarinet Quintet in A, K581
Schubert Octet in F, Op. 166