Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

Just Strings is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1994 by four talented musicians who shared a passion for chamber music. The group consists of two violinists, a violist, and a cellist, and they have become known for their dynamic and expressive performances of both classical and contemporary works. The founding members of Just Strings were violinists David Ewart and David Worswick, violist Robin Ireland, and cellist Jennifer Ward Clarke. All four musicians had extensive experience performing with other ensembles and orchestras, but they were drawn together by their shared love of chamber music and their desire to explore the rich repertoire of string quartets and other chamber works. From the beginning, Just Strings set out to establish themselves as a versatile and innovative ensemble, capable of performing a wide range of musical styles and genres. They quickly gained a reputation for their technical precision, expressive playing, and imaginative interpretations of both classical and contemporary works. One of the highlights of Just Strings' early career was their performance at the 1995 Bath International Music Festival, where they received critical acclaim for their performance of Beethoven's String Quartet No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 131. This performance helped to establish the group as one of the leading chamber ensembles in the UK, and they soon began to receive invitations to perform at other major festivals and concert series. Over the years, Just Strings has performed at many of the world's leading concert halls and festivals, including the Wigmore Hall, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Salzburg Festival. They have also collaborated with many of the world's leading musicians, including pianist Stephen Hough, cellist Steven Isserlis, and violinist Maxim Vengerov. In addition to their live performances, Just Strings has also recorded several highly acclaimed albums, including their debut album, "Beethoven: The Late Quartets," which was released in 1996. This album, which features the group's performances of Beethoven's final five string quartets, received widespread critical acclaim and helped to establish Just Strings as one of the leading interpreters of Beethoven's music. Another highlight of Just Strings' career was their performance at the 2002 BBC Proms, where they performed a program of works by Haydn, Britten, and Shostakovich. This performance was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and was widely praised for its technical brilliance and emotional depth. In addition to their performances and recordings, Just Strings has also received numerous awards and honors over the years. In 1998, they were awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Chamber Music Award, and in 2001 they were named Ensemble of the Year by the Incorporated Society of Musicians. Despite their many achievements, Just Strings remains committed to exploring new musical horizons and pushing the boundaries of chamber music. They continue to perform regularly at major festivals and concert series around the world, and they remain one of the most respected and admired chamber ensembles of their generation.

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