Country

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United Kingdom

Genre

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Chamber

 

The Maggini Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over three decades. The quartet was founded in 1988 by four 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 Maggini Quartet were David Angel (violin), Laurence Jackson (violin), Stefan Roberts (viola), and Michal Kaznowski (cello). All four musicians had extensive experience playing in orchestras and chamber groups before coming together to form the quartet. They named the ensemble after Giovanni Maggini, a famous Italian violin maker from the 17th century. From the beginning, the Maggini Quartet was committed to exploring a wide range of repertoire, from the classical masters to contemporary composers. They quickly gained a reputation for their innovative programming and their ability to bring fresh interpretations to familiar works. Their performances were marked by a deep musicality and a sense of ensemble unity that was truly remarkable. One of the highlights of the Maggini Quartet's early career was their debut at the Wigmore Hall in London in 1990. This prestigious venue is known for its exceptional acoustics and its history of hosting some of the world's greatest musicians. The quartet's performance was a resounding success, and they were invited back to the Wigmore Hall many times over the years. In 1992, the Maggini Quartet won the London International String Quartet Competition, which was a major milestone in their career. This competition is one of the most prestigious in the world, and winning it brought the quartet international recognition and acclaim. They went on to perform at some of the world's most renowned concert halls, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the Berlin Philharmonic. Over the years, the Maggini Quartet has recorded extensively, with over 20 albums to their name. Their recordings have received critical acclaim and have won numerous awards, including a Gramophone Award for their recording of the complete Shostakovich string quartets. They have also collaborated with many other musicians, including pianist Peter Donohoe, clarinetist Michael Collins, and cellist Steven Isserlis. One of the hallmarks of the Maggini Quartet's performances is their commitment to new music. They have commissioned and premiered works by many contemporary composers, including James MacMillan, Sally Beamish, and Mark-Anthony Turnage. They have also worked closely with the British composer and conductor Thomas Adès, who has written several works specifically for the quartet. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Maggini Quartet is also committed to music education. They have worked with young musicians in schools and universities, and have led masterclasses and workshops around the world. They are passionate about passing on their knowledge and experience to the next generation of musicians. Sadly, in 2018, the Maggini Quartet announced that they would be disbanding after 30 years of performing together. Their final concert took place at the Wigmore Hall in London in June of that year, and was a fitting tribute to their remarkable career. The quartet's legacy, however, lives on through their recordings and the many musicians they have inspired over the years.

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