Role

:

Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

The Fitzwilliam String Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been performing for over 50 years. The quartet was formed in 1968 by four students at Cambridge University, and they named themselves after the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, where they often rehearsed. The original members of the quartet were Christopher Rowland (violin), Jonathan Sparey (violin), Alan George (viola), and Michael Evans (cello). The Fitzwilliam String Quartet quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional musicianship and innovative programming. They were particularly known for their performances of contemporary music, and they commissioned and premiered works by many leading composers of the time, including Peter Maxwell Davies, Harrison Birtwistle, and George Crumb. In 1972, the quartet won first prize at the Portsmouth International String Quartet Competition, which helped to launch their international career. They went on to perform at major concert halls and festivals around the world, including the Edinburgh Festival, the Salzburg Festival, and the BBC Proms. One of the highlights of the Fitzwilliam String Quartet's career was their long-standing residency at the University of York. They were appointed as the university's quartet-in-residence in 1972, and they remained in that position for over 40 years. During their residency, they performed regularly at the university and also taught masterclasses and workshops for students. The Fitzwilliam String Quartet has recorded extensively throughout their career, with over 50 albums to their name. They have recorded the complete string quartets of many composers, including Beethoven, Schubert, and Shostakovich. They have also recorded works by contemporary composers, such as John Tavener and Michael Nyman. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Fitzwilliam String Quartet has also been involved in many educational and outreach projects. They have worked with young musicians in schools and community groups, and they have also collaborated with other artists, such as dancers and visual artists. Over the years, the membership of the Fitzwilliam String Quartet has changed, with new members joining and others leaving. However, the quartet has always maintained a high standard of musicianship and a commitment to innovative programming. The current members of the quartet are Lucy Russell (violin), Marcus Barcham Stevens (violin), Alan George (viola), and Sally Pendlebury (cello). The Fitzwilliam String Quartet has received many awards and accolades throughout their career. In addition to their prize at the Portsmouth International String Quartet Competition, they have also won the Royal Philharmonic Society Award for Chamber Music and the Gramophone Award for Best Chamber Music Recording. They have been appointed as Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for their services to music, and they have also been awarded honorary doctorates from several universities. In conclusion, the Fitzwilliam String Quartet is a highly respected and influential ensemble in the world of classical music. They have been performing for over 50 years, and they have gained a reputation for their exceptional musicianship and innovative programming. They have won many awards and accolades, and they have also been involved in many educational and outreach projects.

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