Role

:

Ensemble

 

The Aquarelle Guitar Quartet is a classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences around the world with their unique sound and virtuosic performances. The quartet was founded in 1999 by four guitarists who shared a passion for chamber music and a desire to explore the possibilities of the guitar as a chamber instrument. The founding members of the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet were Vasilis Bessas, James Jervis, Michael Baker, and Rory Russell. All four members had extensive experience as soloists and chamber musicians, and they quickly established a strong musical rapport that would become the foundation of their ensemble. The quartet's name, Aquarelle, is derived from the French word for watercolor, which reflects the group's approach to music-making. Like a watercolor painting, the quartet's sound is delicate and nuanced, with each member contributing their own unique color to the overall picture. One of the quartet's early highlights was their performance at the Bath International Guitar Festival in 2000, where they were awarded the festival's prestigious first prize. This recognition helped to establish the quartet as one of the leading guitar ensembles of their generation, and they soon began to receive invitations to perform at major concert halls and festivals around the world. Over the years, the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet has undergone some changes in personnel, but their commitment to exploring the possibilities of the guitar as a chamber instrument has remained constant. The current members of the quartet are Vasilis Bessas, Michael Baker, James Jervis, and Tom Kerstens. One of the quartet's most notable achievements was their 2016 album, "Dances," which was released on the Chandos label. The album features a diverse range of dance-inspired music from around the world, including works by composers such as Manuel de Falla, Astor Piazzolla, and Isaac Albéniz. The album received critical acclaim and was named one of the "Top 10 Classical Albums of 2016" by The Telegraph. In addition to their recordings, the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet has also been recognized for their live performances. They have performed at major concert halls and festivals around the world, including the Wigmore Hall in London, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the Shanghai Oriental Art Center. They have also collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including the renowned pianist Kathryn Stott and the Grammy-nominated saxophonist Amy Dickson. One of the quartet's most memorable performances was their appearance at the 2012 BBC Proms, where they performed a program of music by Spanish composers. The concert was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and was met with critical acclaim. The quartet's performance of Joaquín Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez" was particularly praised for its sensitivity and virtuosity. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet is also committed to education and outreach. They have conducted masterclasses and workshops at universities and music schools around the world, and they have also worked with young musicians through programs such as the National Youth Guitar Ensemble in the UK. Overall, the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet is a testament to the power of chamber music and the versatility of the guitar as a chamber instrument.

More....