The Quartet in Residence for Variations, the Edinburgh Quartet performs with Rosie Staniforth.

The Quartet in Residence for Variations, the Edinburgh Quartet performs with Rosie Staniforth.

Kathryn Stott joins the Edinburgh Quartet for the mighty piano quintet by Franck written in 1879, a highly romantic and tempestuous work which was famously premiered with Saint-Saens at the piano. In contrast Debussy’s Quartet of some twenty years later brings the more impressionistic style to bear which is more poetic and elusive though it shares some of the same Gallic passion.

In the beautiful setting of Deerness the Edinburgh Quartet is joined by mandolin player Alon Sariel for a varied and fascinating programme. Clark Nichols new work explores timbre for quartet and strings whilst Hans Gal’s music takes inspiration from Mozart’s use of the mandolin in Don Giovanni. Judith Weir’s Quartet takes songs from Spain and Banffshire as its starting point. Puccini’s delicate elegy “Chrysanthemums” and Schubert’s unfinished quartet movement complete this spellbinding programme.

The Edinburgh Quartet has been performing in Scotland for over 40 years and starts its residency with a concert showcasing some classic repertoire for the ensemble. Haydn’s elegant quartet and Debussy’s iconic masterpiece surround the wonderfully quirky and folk-inspired music of Kodaly.