Piatti Quartet and Simon Callaghan
Dvořák at his best and most magical
Wednesday, 10th March 2027 – 7.30pm
Queen’s Hall Arts Centre
Piatti Quartet: Photo – Venetia Jollands / Simon Callaghan: Photo – Kaupo Kikkas
Celebrating 75 years of concerts in Hexham
The Piatti Quartet and pianist Simon Callaghan have enviable international reputations, and we’re delighted they have found time in their busy schedules to join us in Hexham this evening. What a treat we have in store!
Two undisputed masterpieces by Dvořák and Schumann, and a rare performance of an exquisite quartet by Vaughan Williams. A fitting way to mark the 75th anniversary of our society, which held its first concert on 5th March 1952.
Introducing the Piatti Quartet
Since their prizewinning performances at the 2015 Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition, the Piatti Quartet have performed and given broadcast concerts all over the world.
They are now Resident Quartet at the Kings Place concert hall in London and are known for their commitment to both contemporary and overlooked repertoire. They have worked closely with composers such as Mark-Anthony Turnage, Joseph Phibbs and Julian Anderson.
They are also passionate advocates for rediscovered works that deserve to be better known, including the Vaughan Williams quartet featured in this evening’s programme.
Praise and recognition for the Piatti Quartet:
‘Altogether, a glorious evening’s music-making from one of the most inspiring ensembles operating within and well beyond these isles’ Edinburgh Music Review
‘The Piatti Quartet are living treasures of chamber music. […] Their performances – whether of new music or standard classics – have a freshness and vitality which sweeps audiences along with them.’ Julian Anderson, composer.
‘The Piatti make every phrase sing […] This is a performance of wonderful polish and verve.’ Gramophone Magazine
Introducing Simon Callaghan
Simon Callaghan performs internationally as both a soloist and chamber musician, and has built a highly successful career as a recording artist.
His discography reflects a strong interest in lesser-known repertoire, including recordings for Hyperion’s Romantic Piano Concerto series and recent world-premiere recordings of British concertos with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales for Lyrita.
He is Artistic Director of London’s Conway Hall and Professor of Piano at the Royal Northern College of Music.
Praise and recognition for Simon Callaghan:
‘Callaghan’s playing lacks nothing in conviction and panache, and he grabs the ears from the very first bars’ BBC Music Magazine
‘…velvet-gloved pianism of ravishing sensitivity’ The Strad
‘Simon Callaghan beguiled me with his most beautifully elegant soft playing, as much as he had impressed me with his technical facility and controlled power…’ Classical Music Daily (Australia)
Programme
This evening’s programme brings together three great works of chamber music, balancing the familiar with the rarely heard.
It begins with Vaughan Williams’ first string quartet, a delightful work showing the influence of the composer’s studies with Ravel.
Schumann’s Piano Quartet was written in the white heat of inspiration in 1842 that also led to the famous Piano Quintet, and stands as one of his finest chamber works.
Dvořák was a true master of melody and his second piano quintet has been described as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of his chamber music. The melodies in this piece are among the most beautiful that he ever wrote.
Vaughan Williams String Quartet no. 1 in G minor
Robert Schumann Piano Quartet in E flat, op. 47
Dvořák Piano Quintet no. 2 in A, op 81
Watch a recent performance
The Piatti Quartet play Schubert and Dvořák
Simon Callaghan plays a short piece by Jean-Louis Nicodé…
…and Clara Schumann’s Romance in A minor
Book your tickets
Celebrate our 75th anniversary with an evening of exceptional chamber music in the company of these outstanding musicians.
Book direct with Hexham & District Music Society for the best ticket price.
Event details
Venue: Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham, Northumberland
Date: Wednesday, 10th March 2027
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: Online through the Hexham and District Music Society website – £20.
Also available from the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre – £23 plus booking fee.
