Centre Stage: Shostakovich’s Piano Quintet

We begin the afternoon with Josef Suk’s Elegy, a work that serves as a poised and reflective opening. You will hear how the strings and piano interact to create a sense of focused intimacy, setting a contemplative mood before the scale of the programme expands. The central focus of the performance is Dmitri Shostakovich’s Piano Quintet, a staple of twentieth-century chamber music known for its significant emotional shifts. As you listen, look out for the contrast between the rigorous, Bach-inspired opening movements and the more spirited, almost circus-like energy that appears later in the work. The composer uses the piano both as a driving rhythmic force and as a solo voice that provides stark textures against the four string players. The hour is shaped to take you from a single moment of mourning into a complex, multi-layered musical landscape that demonstrates the full dynamic range of this five-piece ensemble.

The musicians for this performance are drawn from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, an ensemble rooted in the Midlands with an international reputation for excellence across the symphonic and chamber repertoires. For this lunchtime session, violinists Lowri Porter and Bethan Allmand are joined by violist Chris Yates, cellist Kate Setterfield, and pianist Robert Markham. These players are seasoned members of the city’s musical community, frequently stepping away from the full orchestral platform to explore the detailed, collaborative requirements of small-group settings at their home base.

This performance takes place at the CBSO Centre in Birmingham, a venue designed for the clarity and closeness required for chamber music. With a total duration of 60 minutes and no interval, it is an excellent choice if you are looking for a concentrated musical experience that fits into a midday break. The shorter format and accessible price point make it particularly suitable for first-time listeners or those who prefer a concise programme. There is no formal dress code required for these daytime sessions.