Elizabeth Maconchy’s thirteen string quartets represent an unparalleled 20th-century contribution to chamber music for strings.

Following the memorable performance of her fourth quartet in the 2017 LCMS series, this concert illustrates Maconchy’s sensitivity for wind writing too, as Emily Pailthorpe’s solo oboe joins the Piatti Quartet in a rare performance of the Oboe Quintet from 1932.

The taut and dramatic style of the quintet is contrasted with music by Mozart and Debussy, and the concert ends with Mendelssohn’s passionate string quartet in F minor.

FREE Pre-Concert Foyer Performance – Naomi Wright (cello), 5.45pm

Britten Solo Cello Suite No. 3 Op. 87
Britten Excerpts from Cello Suite No. 1

Cellist and composer Naomi Wright’s playing has been described by The Guardian as ‘inspired’. Her album Anima Rising featuring the music of Beethoven and Janáček was said to be ‘excellent playing and an imaginativce programme’ (Music Web).

Heather Ely has compared the identical education of contemporaries Maconchy and Britten, with Britten’s far greater opportunites in his career, and it is great in 2019 to have his Cello Suites complimenting her quartet in a setting where they can be viewed as equals.