Experience an impetuous live rendition of Enescu's second string quartet paired with Beethoven's famous "Harp" string quartet no. 10
The inaugural Enescu concert of the year showcases The Morello Quartet, an ensemble of young, gifted musicians. The group includes violinists Anna Caban and Ana Popescu-Deutsch, violist Kesari Pundarika, and cellist Elliott Bailey. All musicians are alumni of the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, rising stars and sought-after chamber musicians.
The concert programme includes Beethoven's String Quartet No. 10 in E-flat Major, Op. 74, known as the 'Harp,' and George Enescu's String Quartet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 22 No. 2, presenting a musical journey that bridges past, present, and cultural identity. It begins with Beethoven's piece, which merges the clarity and balance of the Classical style with an innovative spirit. Its bright sounds and transparent texture provide a clear, confident opening to the programme. At its core is George Enescu's composition, a work characterised by greater depth and introspection. Here, the musical expression becomes richer and more introspective, merging European tradition with Enescu’s unique voice, noted for its lyricism and expressive intensity. The connection between these two works is both natural and significant. Beethoven greatly influenced Enescu, especially in terms of formal thought and musical structure. The “Harp” Quartet marks a transitional phase in Beethoven’s writing, where classical forms begin to explore new expressive possibilities. Enescu’s Second Quartet similarly balances tradition with innovation. By presenting Beethoven before Enescu, the programme emphasises a clear artistic link: Beethoven establishes the foundations of a musical language that Enescu develops and reshapes in a personal and contemporary manner. The result is a cohesive and engaging programme, where Enescu’s quartet appears not as a departure from tradition, but as its natural continuation.
The Morello Quartet, established by four friends in 2019, has delivered inspiring concert programs across various UK venues and festivals, including the Totally Thames Festival, Artisti con Brio Festival, Enescu Concert Series, Stonegrove Serenade Series, and Shipwright Festival. They have collaborated with pianist Sasha Grynyuk at the London Town Chamber Fest and for the Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights, also embarking on a mini tour to premiere Sasha’s transcription of Dvořák’s G minor piano concerto for piano quintet, alongside Schumann’s. In 2024, they will perform a concert featuring works by female composers such as Florence Price, Amy Beach, and Rhiannon Giddens at St. Mary’s Aylesbury. The quartet is dedicated to promoting new compositions, especially those from Kronos’ 50 for the Future, which includes 50 pieces for the modern quartet. In 2022, they performed at the Westminster Synagogue for a service commemorating the Czech Torah Scrolls. Additionally, they hosted a cross-sensory concert at the Tea House Theatre in Vauxhall, where a themed three-course meal accompanied the recital program. The quartet takes a particular interest in classical music influenced by local folk traditions. In May last year, Erwin Schulhoff’s music was featured at their Stonegrove Serenade Concert, showcasing the composer’s intricate and humorous interpretation of Czech folk music.
When: 05 Feb 2026, 19:00 – 21:00
Where: Romanian Cultural Institute, 1 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PH, UK
