Scottish Ensemble

The String Quartet: A Blueprint 

Four exceptional musicians; an intimate performance; a deep connection. 

Performance includes... 

·         Ludwig van Beethoven String Quartet Op. 18 No. 6  

·         Caroline Shaw Blueprint 

·         Jessie Montgomery Voodoo Dolls  

·         Antonín Dvořák String Quartet No. 12 “American”  

Caroline Shaw describes chamber music as a ‘conversation without words’. 

Almost all of our concerts could be considered ‘chamber music’, but performing as a quartet allows us to fully embrace the innate intimacy that is forged between such a small group of players. 

Beethoven’s sixth quartet flurries between wild, breath-taking joy and introverted, tender restraint, and lays the foundation for Shaw’s Blueprint. Infectious rhythms and melodies from non-classical traditions connect our other works. Voodoo Dolls draws on west African drumming patterns and chant motives, while Dvořák's “American” quartet channels the folk music traditions he encountered during his time across the Atlantic. 

Played with stunning virtuosity, this is set to be a musical conversation full of twists and turns.