The Carducci Quartet with Chris Windass

Introducing the performers…

Matthew Denton (violin)
Michelle Fleming (violin)
Eoin Schmidt-Martin (viola)
Emma Denton (cello)

With Chris Windass (viola)

Described by The Strad as presenting “a masterclass in unanimity of musical purpose, in which severity could melt seamlessly into charm, and drama into geniality”, the Carducci Quartet is recognised as one of today’s most successful ensembles. Performing over 90 concerts worldwide each year, the quartet also run their own recording label, Carducci Classics; an annual festival in Highnam, Gloucester; and have curated their own Carducci Festival in Castagneto-Carducci, the town from which they took their name.

Winners of international competitions, including the Concert Artists Guild International Competition 2007 and Finland’s Kuhmo International Chamber Music Competition, the Anglo-Irish quartet has appeared at prestigious venues across the globe including the Wigmore Hall, London; National Concert Hall, Dublin; Tivoli Concert Hall, Copenhagen; Carnegie Hall, New York and Library of Congress and John F Kennedy Center, Washington DC. Festival appearances include the Cheltenham Music Festival; Festival Messiaen au pays Meije; West Cork Chamber Music Festival; Kuhmo Festival; and the Wratislavia Cantans Festival in Poland.

2015 saw the quartet present the complete catalogue of Shostakovich’s String Quartets across a number of international cycles to commemorate 40 years since the composer’s death. The project was accompanied by a recording of quartet’s number 4, 8 and 11, their second disc for Signum Classics. Further to this, the quartet toured Germany, Holland and Colombia and collaborated with guitarist Craig Ogden, clarinettist Emma Johnson, cellists Guy Johnston and Christian-Pierre La Marca.

Highly celebrated for their interpretation of contemporary repertoire, the Carducci Quartet is regularly invited to perform new works. They presented the world premiere of Anthony Gilbert’s cello quintet, Haven of Mysteries with Guy Johnston, and curated two projects at Kings Place, London around Steve Reich and Philip Glass.

2013 saw the release of two recordings: Into the Ravine with Nicholas Daniel, their debut release for Signum Classics, featuring British works composed for the ensemble, and Alexander Raskatov’s Monks Music, listed as one of the top 5 classical recordings of 2013 by the Irish Times. The quartet has also received wide critical acclaim for recordings on their own record label, and their catalogue features two world premiere recordings: works by G Whettam (“recording of the month”, MusicWeb International) and J Horovitz (“beautifully crafted works…excellent performances”, BBC Music Magazine). They have also recorded Vivaldi and Piazzolla with the Katona Twins Guitar Duo for Channel Classics, as well as Philip Glass for Naxos.

“…a performance of supreme clarity, focus and precision.”

Gramophone Magazine

“…playing of constant variety, a masterclass in unanimity of musical purpose.”

The Strad

“…the Carducci players displayed a deep and almost familial sense of unity in everything they played… full of life and vitality… extravagantly beautiful…”

The Washington Post

“…technical rigour, penetrative musical insight and lively yet unified individualism… winning in every sense of the word…”

The Irish Times

“…high-octane playing balanced control with devil-may-care spontaneity…”

The Guardian

“…the Carducci String Quartet were stunning… they are clearly musicians of high intelligence…”

The Times

Performing in Adderbury…

May 1, 2016 at 19:45

  • Mozart String Quartet No 17 in B flat, K458 (“The Hunt”)
  • Mendelssohn String Quintet in E flat
  • Beethoven String Quartet, op 59 no 2

Buy Tickets on the Door

Tickets can be purchased at the door on the evening of the concert. Advance tickets can be booked by telephone, in person or online from Tickets Oxford (see below).

  • £15.00 adults
  • £13.00 full-time students, senior citizens and children 10-16
  • £13.00 Friends of Music in Adderbury (adult)
  • £10.00 Friends of Music in Adderbury who are full-time students, senior citizens or children 10-16
  • Free admission for children aged of 5-10 accompanied by an adult. (Please note: we do not allow children under the age of 5.)

Buy From Tickets Oxford

Tickets can be purchased in advance from:

Tickets Oxford (+44 1865 305305)
The Oxford Playhouse
11-12 Beaumont Street
Oxford
OX1 2LW

Click here for more information on Music in Adderbury venues and ticketing.