Beethoven by Heart continues its journey through three late quartets with Op. 130, as director Tom Morris and the Sacconi Quartet perform entirely from memory, placing audiences inside the music in intimate Hall Two.

The series opened with String Quartet No. 14, Op. 131, one of Beethoven’s most visionary achievements, followed by Op. 132, and now continues with Op. 130, unfolding with wit, lyricism, intimacy and grandeur. The following day, audiences have the opportunity to experience all three quartets across a single day.

Together, these monumental works form a bold artistic statement: a fresh encounter with masterpieces that continue to challenge, move and inspire nearly two centuries after they were written.

Developed over almost two decades, Beethoven by Heart transforms the traditional quartet experience. Performing entirely from memory, the Sacconi Quartet dispense with music stands, creating complete freedom of movement and a heightened connection between the musicians.

Shaped by Tom Morris’s theatrical direction and presented in the intimate setting of Kings Place Hall Two, audiences are drawn into the heart of the ensemble, witnessing the extraordinary communication and trust that bring this music to life. Enhanced by lighting and a spoken introduction, each performance offers a rare opportunity to experience Beethoven’s late quartets from the inside out.

Celebrating 25 years with its original members, the Sacconi Quartet brings exceptional insight and commitment to a project that reveals these extraordinary works with renewed immediacy, humanity and power.

Get closer to the music with relaxed beanbag seating at the heart of the performance space. Choose a beanbag or a chair on arrival. Both are unreserved and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

This event will last approximately 80 minutes, with no interval.

Explore the 2027 Beethoven by Heart series
Sat 16 Jan: String Quartet No. 14, Op. 131
Sun 17 Jan: String Quartet No. 14, Op. 131
Sat 22 May: String Quartet No. 15, Op. 132
Sun 23 May: String Quartet No. 15, Op. 132
Sat 6 Nov, afternoon: String Quartet No. 13, Op. 130
Sat 6 Nov, evening: String Quartet No. 13, Op. 130
Sun 7 Nov, 12pm: The Complete Experience: Op. 132
Sun 7 Nov, 3pm: The Complete Experience: Op. 130
Sun 7 Nov, 6pm: The Complete Experience: Op. 131

About Sacconi Quartet

Britain’s longest-established string quartet, the Sacconi Quartet have been captivating audiences for twenty-five years with their unanimous and compelling ensemble, consistently communicating with a fresh and imaginative approach. Formed in 2001, the four founder members share an unwavering passion for the string quartet repertoire, infectiously reaching out to audiences with their energy and enthusiasm. The Sacconis enjoy a busy international career, performing regularly across the world, at Europe’s major venues, on recordings and in radio broadcasts. The Sacconi Quartet is Quartet in Association at the Royal College of Music and Quartet in Residence for the town of Folkestone.

About Tom Morris

Tom Morris is a theatre director, writer and producer. He was Associate Director at the National Theatre in London before taking over as Artistic Director of Bristol Old Vic from 2009 to 2022. He has previously worked in broadcasting and journalism, as a critic and feature writer for The Times Literary Supplement, The Independent, The Sunday Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian and The Observer. Morris was Artistic Director of Battersea Arts Centre before taking up his post at the National Theatre in 2004. In 2011, he won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play for the Broadway production of War Horse, along with co-director Marianne Elliott.

Reviews

‘The festival sensation, the young Sacconi Quartet completely bowled over a packed audience. The chemistry between these four young players is tangible and magical.’ The Scotsman
‘Performances of Works that Represent the Summit of the Artform’ BBC Music Magazine