The Allegri Quartet is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been performing for over 60 years. The quartet was founded in 1953 by Eli Goren, James Barton, Patrick Ireland, and William Pleeth. The group was named after the Italian composer Gregorio Allegri, who is best known for his choral work Miserere Mei, Deus. The Allegri Quartet has had several changes in its lineup over the years, but its current members are Ofer Falk (violin), Rafael Todes (violin), Dorothea Vogel (viola), and Vanessa Lucas-Smith (cello). The quartet has been praised for its technical precision, musicality, and ability to interpret a wide range of repertoire. One of the highlights of the Allegri Quartet's career was its performance at the 1955 Edinburgh Festival, where it received critical acclaim for its interpretation of Beethoven's String Quartet No. 14. The quartet has also performed at prestigious venues such as the Wigmore Hall, the Royal Festival Hall, and the Carnegie Hall. The Allegri Quartet has recorded extensively, with over 30 albums to its name. Some of its most notable recordings include the complete string quartets of Beethoven, Schubert, and Shostakovich. The quartet has also recorded works by contemporary composers such as Peter Maxwell Davies and Michael Tippett. In addition to its performances and recordings, the Allegri Quartet has also been recognized with several awards and honors. In 1981, the quartet was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Chamber Ensemble Award. The quartet was also awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1982 for its services to music. Throughout its long and illustrious career, the Allegri Quartet has remained committed to the art of chamber music. Its dedication to excellence and its ability to interpret a wide range of repertoire have made it one of the most respected and admired classical music ensembles in the world.

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