Centre Stage: Beethoven & Beamish Quartets

We are guided through a programme that balances historical intensity with modern, rhythmic play. You will hear two movements from Valborg Aulin’s String Quartet No.1, which establish a traditional lyrical foundation before the mood shifts towards the contemporary. Sally Beamish’s String Quartet No.2, subtitled Opus California, introduces a distinct change in texture. Listen for the way she incorporates jazz-inflected rhythms and American stylistic motifs into the string quartet medium. The performance concludes with Beethoven’s String Quartet No.4. Unlike the lighter works of his contemporaries, this piece is defined by its dramatic C minor key and driving energy. You might notice the persistent, restless quality of the opening movement and the sophisticated interplay between the four instruments. The sequence is designed to show how the string quartet evolved from a vehicle for stormy classical expression into a versatile tool for modern storytelling.

The performance features a quartet of players from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, commonly known as the CBSO. Violinists Colette Overdijk and Georgia Hannant, violist Amy Thomas, and cellist Arthur Boutillier step away from their usual orchestral desks to focus on the intimate communication of chamber music. The CBSO is widely recognised for its versatile repertoire and its central role in the cultural life of the Midlands. These musicians are accustomed to the acoustics of their home venue, bringing their collective experience and technical precision to this smaller, more transparent ensemble setting.

This chamber concert takes place at Symphony Hall in Birmingham. With a total running time of approximately 44 minutes, the event is particularly well-suited for those who prefer a shorter performance or for anyone visiting the hall for the first time. The midday timing makes it an accessible option for local workers or travellers passing through the city. No specific dress code is required for this event. As the performance is relatively brief and consists of purely instrumental music, there are no intervals or surtitles to navigate, allowing you to focus entirely on the acoustics of the venue.