Chaos String Quartet I
Founded on the principles of the rich concept of Chaos in the arts, science, and philosophy, the Chaos String Quartet takes risks and welcomes the unpredictable in its performance of the classical quartet repertoire.
In their first recital, Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel’s String Quartet - an extraordinary, rhapsodic work - is paired with Beethoven’s favourite of his own late quartets.
The passion and colourful harmonies of Hensel’s quartet shift between darkness and light; for someone who doubted her ability to write larger-scale forms and who wrote no more quartets after this one, it is a wonderfully dramatic and distinctive work. It counts as one of the earliest surviving string quartets composed by a woman.
On hearing Beethoven’s Op.131, Schubert remarked: “After this, what is left for us to write?” The composer stated his intention to seek “a new manner of part-writing”, and in its angularly baleful key of C sharp minor, it is as impactful on the modern listener as it was on the great Schubert two centuries ago.
Please note: this concert takes place in the Britten Studio at Snape Maltings.
Susanne Schäffer violin
Eszter Kruchió violin
Sara Marzadori viola
Bas Jongen cello
About Chaos String Quartet
Founded in 2019 on the interdisciplinary concept of Chaos, the Quartet combines a highly refined ensemble culture and a fiery vitality with a passion for exploring experimental and improvisational approaches. With their affinity for embracing unpredictability and risk-taking, the ensemble’s members bring a unique dynamism and vibrancy to their playing featuring a whole universe of sounds.
Recently selected as a BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist 2023-2025, the Chaos String Quartet is rapidly establishing itself on the international music scene. The Quartet has been successful at the most prestigious international competitions. Additional successes include winning the 2nd Prize at Budapest’s 2021 Bartók World Competition and the Premio V. E. Rimbotti in Italy.
Friday Lunchtime Concerts
Each Friday from January to March we invite you to our Friday Lunchtime Concerts on the Suffolk Coast. We offer musical delight and respite from the winter winds in the shape of performances by brilliant young ensembles from the UK and abroad. All ensembles in this series are Britten Pears Young Artists for 2023-24, and are on a Chamber Music Residency as part of the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme.
The Britten Pears Young Artist Programme is made possible with the generous support of our Trusts & Foundations and individual supporters.
General booking opens Saturday 25 November at 10am.
Advance booking for members begins on Tuesday 7 November. Find out how becoming a member both supports our work and enables you to enjoy priority booking.
Photograph by Andrej Grilc