Simon Blendis (violin), Alexandra Wood (violin), Douglas Paterson (viola), Jane Salmon (cello) & William Howard (piano), genuine British specialists in Enescu's scores, finish their Wigmore series, but continue, throughout 2011, the focus on the Romanian composers, with concerts in Birmingham, Nottingham, London and Oxford. The Ensemble is currently recording Enescu's quartets for the Chandos label.
Programme: Beethoven: Allegretto in B flat WoO. 39 Dvorák: Piano Quintet in A Op. 81 Enescu: Piano Quintet in A minor op.29
The Schubert Ensemble has established itself over 27 years as one of the world's leading exponents of music for piano and strings. Regularly giving over 50 concerts a year, the Ensemble has performed in over 40 different countries. In 1998 the Ensemble's contribution to British musical life was recognized by the Royal Philharmonic Society when it presented the group with the Best Chamber Ensemble Award, for which it was shortlisted again in 2010. Lately, the Ensemble has enjoyed a busy international schedule, with performances in the Czech Republic, Norway, Gibraltar, Spain, Holland, Canada, the USA and, most recently, a first visit to China, as well as appearances across the UK. In this period the Ensemble has also released two new recordings for the Chandos label of works by Martinu and Faure, both of which have been widely praised.
2011 sees the continuation of the Ensemble's Enescu/ Dvorák series at London's Wigmore Hall, and the release of Enescu's two piano quartets on the Chandos label. Alongside its busy concert schedule, the Ensemble has established a reputation for innovation in the field of new music, education and audience development. This year, the Ensemble continue its Residency at the Birmingham Conservatoire, as well as giving workshops and masterclasses around the country. The Ensemble has built up strong relationships with many of the UK's leading composers, and has an impressive list of over 80 commissions.
When: Monday, 28 March 2011, 7.30pm;
Where: Wigmore Hall, 36 Wigmore Street, London W1U 2BP.
Tickets: www.wigmore-hall.org.uk | 020 7935 2141
