A relaxed and intense weekend of quartet playing, with coaching from a professional quartet, for accomplished groups who play together regularly.
STANDARD: CONFIDENT, SKILFUL
Resident: £412 Non-Resident: £302 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 24/252
Booking for Members opens at 11am on Wednesday 28 February 2024
Non-Member and online booking opens at 11am on Wednesday 20 March 2024
For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here.
What is the course about?
We are once again delighted to welcome from Prague the wonderful Wihan Quartet. As usual this course is open to pre-formed string quartets, all of whom will benefit enormously from the wisdoms that these great Czech musicians bring to their interpretations. The course also includes a ticket to their concert on Friday 23 August. Please note that any quartets wishing to arrange a pre-course playing room on the first day must contact us prior to the course to avoid disappointment.
Tutor website: http://www.wihanquartet.co.uk/
What will we cover?
Most aspects of quartet playing will be discussed, including leading, achieving good ensemble, balance and intonation, exploring tonal colours, phrasing and musical style.
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
You will have achieved a good working knowledge of your chosen work(s), enabling you to fulfil your potential, and will have discussed ideas of how to rehearse together more productively. There are no ‘quick fixes’ in performing chamber music, but you will get many useful tips that come from the tutors’ years of experience!
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Confident, Skilful.
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
You will receive a coaching session from each of the four members of the Wihan Quartet. You will find the course most beneficial if you are well prepared both individually and as a group. By all means choose repertoire which will challenge you, but also try to be realistic when selecting the works to be studied!
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
No, participants are requested to bring their own music. Helpful resources: IMSLP has a wide range of parts and scores. Benslow Music members may be able to hire the music from our library.
Is there anything I need to bring?
Music, a full score of the work(s) you are studying.
What previous participants said about this course…
“The highest quality of musicianship with great sensitivity to our efforts in prior preparation.”
“Stimulating and demanding energy.”
“Quite challenging, requiring a lot of hard work and concentration, but very rewarding as a result.”
“An excellent way to get to know a piece of chamber music well and receive guidance on how to improve.”