14 March: The Primrose Piano Quartet

The Primrose Piano Quartet was formed in 2004 by four renowned chamber musicians and is named after the violinist, William Primrose. The group’s acclaimed discography includes favourites such as works by Fauré, Brahms, Elgar, Strauss and Schubert as well British repertoire featuring neglected masterpieces of the 19th and 20th century and major commissions from Sir Peter Maxwell Davies and Anthony Payne (premièred at the Cheltenham Festival and at King’s Place London).

Their double CD of the complete Brahms piano quartets on period pianos was the culmination of years of research into Historically Informed Performance Practice and has been hailed by critics as “revelatory”. A similar disc of French works will be released in 2024.

The Quartet enjoy a busy performing schedule throughout the UK and abroad with recent tours taking them to Denmark, Germany, Romania, Portugal and Bulgaria, in addition to regular appearances at London’s Kings Place, Wigmore and Conway Halls.

Their own festival in West Meon, Hampshire, is now in its 12th year, and they were appointed ensemble-in-residence at the Battle Festival in 2016.

Leader of groups such as the Werethina, Edinburgh and Maggini String Quartets, Susanne Stanzeleit has released more than 25 solo CDs.

As viola player in the renowned Allegri Quartet, Dorothea Vogel has performed widely throughout the UK and abroad.

Former principal cellist with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Fuller is also well known as member of the Fibonacci Sequence and Primavera.

In addition to performing relationships with the Schidlof, Maggini, Brodsky, Martinu, Dante and Emperor quartets, John Thwaites is duo partner to cellists including Alexander Baillie and Johannes Goritzki.

PROGRAMME

W.A. Mozart – Piano Quartet in E flat, K493

Jean Francaix – String Trio

INTERVAL

Pablo Casals –  Song of the Birds for Cello and Piano

Camille Saint-Saens – Bacarolle for Piano Quartet

Faure – Apres un Reve for Viola and Piano

Bizet/arranged by Pablo Sarasate – Carmen Fantasy for Violin and Piano

Johannes Brahms – Hungarian Dance No1 arranged for Piano Quartet

“The playing is selflessly beautiful… everything seems to be just right.”  The Strad

“their performance at Kings palace this evening was a glowing testimony to this well-deserved reputation, in an exhibition of mature artistry and sophisticated music making”.  Seen and Heard International

https://youtu.be/ADatE0OgkxI?si=fvS33REpBHE3yXLn

https://youtu.be/NqiOeJoT7eQ?si=D6BEUXsJSGMHDslP