Formed in 1988 and named after Giovanni Paolo Maggini, the celebrated violin maker of the 17th century Brescian school, the Maggini Quartet is admired internationally for exceptional performances, characterized by technical precision, rich tonal quality, and expressive depth. Though they are particularly renowned for their authoritative interpretations of British chamber music, the Magginis are equally at home with the classical repertoire.

The Quartet appears frequently in prestigious concert series at home and abroad and makes regular media broadcasts. International tours have included the USA, Japan, South Korea, Dubai, and many European countries. Their series of concerts and recordings, The Glory of the English String Quartet, is an important initiative in bringing this rich and diverse repertoire to a worldwide audience. The Quartet has made nearly 40 recordings which have received numerous accolades, including Gramophone Awards and nominations for Grammy Awards. Their discography includes a box set of the complete string quartets of major British composers, which has been praised for its depth and sensitivity.

They will open their concert with the last of the Beethoven Opus 18 quartets, a series composed in an astonishing burst of creative energy between 1798 and 1800. The music traverses a wide emotional spectrum, blending grace, tenderness, exuberance, reflection, and melancholy, before concluding on an uplifting note. This will be followed by Frank Bridge’s lyrical and optimistic Quartet No. 2. The Gramophone review of this piece noted that the Maggini ‘play with unquenchable fire, keen intelligence and immaculate polish throughout’. The concert will conclude with a performance of Shostakovich’s powerful and moving quartet No.3 composed in 1946.

The programme today promises an intense and exciting afternoon of chamber music at its best.

Julian Leaper (violin), Ciaran McCabe (violin), Martin Outram (viola), Will Schofield (cello)

Photo credit © 2024 : Maggini Quartet