Beethoven, Haydn & Janacek
Vellinger and Bronte String Quartets
Trinity College of Music, Old Royal Naval College Chapel, Greenwich 26 October 2004

Vellinger String Quartet: Gordan Nikolitch & Philippe Honoré (violins);
Geneviève Strosser (viola) & Sally Pendleberry (cello)
Bronte String Quartet: Sara Trickey & Katharine Gorsuch (violins) JonThorne (viola) Daisy Gathorne-Hardy (cello)

The Vellinger String Quartet, Trinity's Quartet in Residence, has gone through several changes of personnel since winning the First Prize in the London International String Competition in 1994, when it was led by the gutsy Stephanie Gonley, a memorable occasion which I attended . The cellist is the only founder member remaining to offer continuity, and the quartet's character is different, but no less impressive with the self effacing violinist Gordan Nikolitch as first violin. He looks relaxed and the feeling is one of democratic equals, but the level of playing and ensemble is world class and they gave exemplary, intense performances of Janacek No 2 and Beethoven Op 59/1 that held the large audience spellbound. Nikolitch also leads the London Symphony Orchestra, which must make his diary complicated; diversification is increasing these days, making the lives of orchestral players more interesting.

As an opener, the young Bronte Quartet, holders of Trinity's Bulldog Scholarship (following the now well-established Elysian String Quartet) gave Haydn's Op 76/5. It was a little faceless at first, but settled after the first movement. They have studied and worked with famous musicians the world over, and now need time to assimilate the wide breadth of influences to which they have been exposed. It will be interesting to follow their development whilst they are in South East London, with the Vellingers at hand to teach and advise.

Musically, this is an area which offers concerts within easy reach almost daily; watch the events pages of the Trinity College of Music and Blackheath Halls websites.