Edinburgh Quartet

2012/13 Queen's Hall concert season

news item posted 2 May 2013

The Edinburgh Quartet will appear at The Queen's Hall, Edinburgh on Wednesday 15 May at 7.30pm in the final concert of their 2012/13 Queen's Hall concert season. The Quartet will perform:

• Haydn: Quartet in E flat Major Op 33 No 2 'Joke'
• Britten: Quartet No 1 Op 25
• Tchaikovsky: Quartet No 1 in D major Op 11

The concert will mark the culmination of the Quartet's tribute to Benjamin Britten in his centenary year. Written when the composer was just 28 years old, the string quartet Op 25 is a remarkable work with many ground-breaking features.

This season has also seen the Edinburgh Quartet performing all six string quartets in Haydn's Op. 33 set. At this concert they will start the evening with No 2, the "Joke", with its amusing finale that constantly has the audience wondering if the piece is over, and there are many smaller "jokes" throughout the movement. There will be a free, illustrated pre-concert talk at 6.30pm from Dr Roger B Williams of the University of Aberdeen.

Tickets £15, £12 concessions, £5 children and students (unreserved seating) on sale at The Queen's Hall Box Office 0131 668 2019
More info: http://www.thequeenshall.net/whats-on/shows/edinburgh-quartet-May2013

Studio One Sessions

news item posted 27 April 2013

The Quartet recently took part in Studio One Sessions at BBC Radio Scotland in Glasgow, where they recorded Tchaikovsky's Quartet No 1, Andante Cantabile (2nd movement) and the 1st movement of Haydn's Quartet Op 33 No 3, the 'Bird'. These videos are well worth a look and can be enjoyed here:

• Haydn - Op 33 No 3, the Bird (1st movement)

 

• Tchaikovsky - Quartet No 1, andante cantabile (2nd movement)

 

Taking baroque to extremes

news item posted 14 April 2013

As part of BBC Radio 3's Baroque Spring, the Edinburgh Quartet took part in a special edition of Jazz Line-Up. The show was recorded in front of a live audience on Saturday 2 March and broadcast on Sunday 10 March. Follow this link to see and hear what it was all about…

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0164nbf

An account of Philip Burrin's Farewell Concert on 22 March 2013

news item posted 8 April 2013

 
Douglas Holligan, Edinburgh Quartet Friends Co-ordinator writes - A bitterly cold Friday night did not put me in the most welcoming or conducive frame of mind for a concert. Having said that, upon stepping into the physical and visual/artistic warmth of the very fine St Cecilia's Hall in Edinburgh's Cowgate, I found my initial reluctance seeping away; moreover, it was completely dispelled by the playing of the rightly renowned and highly respected Edinburgh Quartet. It became evident from the first moments that we were to be in for a real treat – albeit in a refreshingly original format.

I had initially expected this to be something of a sombre occasion, given that the concert was held in honour of Philip Burrin – the Quartet's much loved, long-serving second violinist. Pleasingly, such an atmosphere was not be, as the entire event, from beginning to end, was firmly but sociably conducted in a spirit of celebration, not mourning.

We were treated to a selection from Philip's personal favourites: the first movement of Haydn's Quartet, Op.76 No.2, the slow movement from Mendelssohn's first string quartet, contrasting interestingly with the no less melodic and powerful slow movement from Elgar's String Quartet, and finally rounding off with Beethoven's early c minor Quartet, Op.18 No.4. These were interspersed with cheerful recounts of various incidents which have taken place over the years during public performances and, in particular, the lead up to these, including a musical bird, which responded in perfect answer to Beethoven's question phrases on one occasion, and Philip's performance of the Mendelssohn in Yehudi Menuhin's front room!

Throughout the evening we were constantly aware of Philip's exceptional and outstanding contribution to the Quartet's activities over the years. Perhaps Philip's most endearing quality that many so greatly admire and respect him for is his striking and engaging sense of being a true team player – in every sense of the phrase.

Afterwards there was an informal reception to which all of the audience was cordially invited. Many a good wish was exchanged and a variety of gifts were passed on. Philip will be greatly missed and fondly remembered for his genial manner, heartfelt playing and strong sense of team-focused support and encouragement. Philip leaves the Quartet with the very warmest wishes of Tristan, Jessica and Mark but also of the many listeners and regular supporters whom he has touched over the years with his playing and teaching. We wish him all a long and happy time in the next chapter of his career!

Edinburgh Quartet introduces new Second Violinist, Gordon Bragg

news item posted 24 March 2013

The Edinburgh Quartet will appear at The Queen's Hall, Edinburgh on Wednesday 27 March at 7.30pm in the second of three concerts there during their 2012/13 Edinburgh concert season. This occasion marks the official appointment of Gordon Bragg to the position of second violin, following Philip Burrin's retirement from the Quartet after fifteen years in the role. The programme, which will be preceded by a free, illustrated talk at 6.30pm, will comprise:

• Haydn: Quartet in C Major Op 33 No 3 'Bird'
• Britten: Quartet No 3 Op 94
• Brahms: Quartet in a minor Op 51 No 2

Gordon Bragg graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2006 with first class honours, studying violin with Simon Fischer. He has been concertmaster of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland a member of the European Union Youth Orchestra, Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester and Lucerne Festival Academy Orchestra.  Gordon has participated in masterclasses with members of the Amadeus and Takacs Quartets, was a founder member of the Maxwell Quartet and is also active as a conductor.

Quartet Leader Tristan Gurney said – "Recruiting a new player within a string quartet can be a challenging and delicate process, but we have been lucky to find Gordon, as he immediately gelled with the Quartet. We're delighted to have him on board and look forward to many exciting projects and performances during the next chapter in the Edinburgh Quartet's story."

Tickets £15, £12 concessions, £5 children and students (unreserved seating) on sale at The Queen's Hall Box Office on 0131 668 2019.

The concert is supported by Creative Scotland.

Jazz Line-Up goes Baroque

news item posted 19 February 2013

As part of BBC Radio 3s forthcoming Baroque Spring, Jazz Line-Up will be recording a special edition of the programme at the BBC Studios in Pacific Quay, Glasgow on Saturday the 2nd March at 7.30PM. Julian Joseph will be illustrating the genius of Bach as an improviser at the piano with professor John Butt at the Harpsichord and exploring the music of Vivaldi and Hermeto Pascole with the Lighthouse Trio of Tim Garland, Gwiliym Simcock and Asaf Sirkis together with the Edinburgh Quartet. It promises to be an invigorating concert!

Follow this link to apply for FREE studio tickets:

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/shows/jazz_lineup_2mar13

March 'Rush Hour' and 'Late Night' Sessions

news item posted 19 February 2013

The Edinburgh Quartet will present the final of three "Late Sessions" in the Lounge Bar, Teviot Row House in Bristo Square, Edinburgh on Friday 1 March at 9.00pm. Admission is free.

The pilot series has focussed on British Music from the 17th century to the present day and has attracted large and enthusiastic crowds. On 1 March audiences can look forward to enjoying a drink in the candle-lit surroundings while listening to music by James MacMillan and John Tavener, among others.

The following week, on Wednesday 6 March at 5.30pm, the Quartet will perform Beethoven's String Quartet in E flat major, Op. 74, the "Harp", at the newly refurbished St Andrew's & St George's West Church George Street Building. In this, the final of three "rush hour" concerts pioneered by the Edinburgh Quartet this season the music will be enhanced by readings from Beethoven's diaries and memoirs of Baron de Tremont on visiting the composer in 1809. Tickets £10 (students and children free) available from the Queen's Hall Box Office, and at the door.

Both concerts are supported by Creative Scotland, and are part of the Quartet's mission to provide experiences to entice all ages.

Friends' newsletter

news item posted 8 February 2013

The Friends of the Edinburgh Quartet is an important organisation, supporting the Quartet and giving members priority booking, reduced prices for admission to concerts and for the many CDs produced by the Quartet. Please spread the word around your friends and acquaintances, to tell them about these new and vibrant initiatives which the Quartet is pioneering this season.

• February 2013 Friends' Newsletter (in printer friendly format)

A sense of excitement

news item posted 14 January 2013

"There's a sense of excitement surrounding the Edinburgh Quartet these days…" Read Kenneth Walton's full feature in The Scotsman. [more]

What did the critics think?

news item posted 4 January 2013

Some reviews of recent concert performances have just been uploaded to the press section of our website.