Genre

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Chamber

 

The Delme String Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over four decades. The quartet was founded in 1967 by four young musicians who shared a passion for chamber music and a desire to create a unique sound that would set them apart from other ensembles. The founding members of the Delme String Quartet were violinists John Trusler and Ian Jewel, violist John Underwood, and cellist Stephen Orton. All four musicians were graduates of the Royal Academy of Music in London and had already established themselves as soloists and chamber musicians before coming together to form the quartet. The quartet's name was inspired by the Delme family, who were prominent patrons of the arts in the 18th century and had a strong connection to the quartet's home base of Hampshire, England. The Delme String Quartet quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional musicianship and innovative interpretations of classical repertoire. One of the highlights of the Delme String Quartet's early career was their performance at the 1972 Aldeburgh Festival, where they were praised for their "exquisite playing" and "remarkable unity of sound." This performance helped to establish the quartet as one of the leading chamber ensembles in the UK. Over the years, the Delme String Quartet has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals, including the Wigmore Hall, the Edinburgh Festival, and the Salzburg Festival. They have also collaborated with some of the most celebrated musicians of our time, including pianist Peter Donohoe, clarinetist Michael Collins, and cellist Steven Isserlis. In addition to their live performances, the Delme String Quartet has recorded extensively, with over 30 albums to their name. Their recordings have received critical acclaim and have won numerous awards, including the Gramophone Award for Best Chamber Music Recording in 1990 for their recording of the complete Beethoven String Quartets. One of the defining characteristics of the Delme String Quartet's sound is their commitment to playing on period instruments. The quartet's instruments are all from the 18th and 19th centuries, and they use gut strings and historical bows to create a sound that is both authentic and vibrant. The Delme String Quartet has also been committed to promoting new music throughout their career. They have commissioned and premiered works by some of the most exciting contemporary composers, including John Tavener, Peter Maxwell Davies, and James MacMillan. Despite changes in personnel over the years, the Delme String Quartet has remained a vital and dynamic ensemble. Violinist John Trusler retired from the quartet in 1992 and was replaced by Krysia Osostowicz, who has been a member of the quartet ever since. In 2005, violist John Underwood retired and was replaced by Louise Williams, who has also been a member of the quartet ever since. The Delme String Quartet has received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career. In addition to the aforementioned Gramophone Award, they have also been awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Chamber Music and the Cannes Classical Award for Best Chamber Music Recording. In 2017, the Delme String Quartet celebrated their 50th anniversary with a series of concerts and events.

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