Written in the aftermath of war, the string quartets by Grażyna Bacewicz and Benjamin Britten featured in this concert are works of biting drama and brilliance. While the Vivo last movement of the Bacewicz fizzes with virtuosity and charm, the monumental Chacony which closes the Britten is a homage to Henry Purcell.

Our elite string players complete their powerful programme with a haunting lament by Puccini: in Italy white chrysanthemums (crisantemi) are a symbol of mourning and remembrance.

Bacewicz: String Quartet No 3
Puccini: Crisantemi
Britten: String Quartet No 2

New Paths Collective: Roberto Ruisi (violin) | Yume Fujise (violin) | Jane Atkins (viola) | Leo Popplewell (cello)