Gildas Quartet
The Gildas Quartet open the season with one of the most important string quartets of the 20th century, performed from memory.
Shostakovich was born on this day, September 25, 1906, and 2025 marks 50 years since his death. Written in just three days, his compact Quartet No 8 is described by one writer as ‘a dense quartet [which] contains a lifetime of music’. The most popular of his 15 quartets, the Gildas will explore the background to the 20-minute work and play musical examples.
Beethoven’s beloved ‘Rasumovsky’ quartets were named after his patron, Count Razumovsky, who requested three quartets ‘with Russian Melodies, real or imitated’. Jessie Montgomery’s ‘Strum’ is hailed as a ‘classic’ of the 21st century. It dates from 2008 in its version for string quartet and is the perfect invigorating opener to the new season.
About Gildas Quartet
The Gildas Quartet, praised for their ‘energy, verve and refreshing approach’ have performed to critical acclaim at major venues including the Bridgewater Hall, Barbican, Wigmore Hall and live on BBC Radio 3.
Determined to bring the visceral experience of string quartet performance to audiences at close quarters, the Gildas launched their immersive ‘Surround Sound Sessions’ project in Winter 2019. This series ranges from short one-work ‘pop-up’ concerts in unusual settings to full-length recitals, with the audience literally in the midst of the players, in surround sound.
Passionate advocates of music from all periods, the Gildas have collaborated with many eminent British composers. They have given recitals at international festivals such as Cheltenham, Lake District Summer Music and Oxford Lieder, as well as touring in Europe, China and South Africa.
Tickets*
- Band A £25 Friends £22.50
- Band B £20 Friends £18
- Band C £14 Friends £12.60
- Students £10
- Schools £10
*Ticket prices vary by seating location
For full offer details see Booking tickets >
Venue facilities and information >
Gildas Quartet
Tom Aldren violin
Gemma Sharples violin
Christine Anderson viola
Anna Menzies cello
Jessie Montgomery ‘Strum’
Beethoven String Quartet No 9 in C, Op 59 No 3 ‘Rasumovsky’
Shostakovich String Quartet No 8 in C minor, Op 110 (from memory)
Images © Venetia Jollands
