Friday 25 February 2011

Frith Piano Quartet

Benjamin Frith  Piano
Robert Heard Violin
Louise Williams  Viola
Richard Jenkinson Cello

Programme

Mozart Piano Quartet in E Flat Major, K493.
Finnissy Quartet in A major '1861-1862'.

- Interval -
Brahms Piano Quartet No 2 in A major, Op 26.

Frith Piano QuartetThe Frith Piano Quartet was formed in 2000 by the pianist Benjamin Frith, violinist Robert Heard, violist Louise Williams and ‘cellist Richard Jenkinson. Since its formation the group have performed the complete piano quartets of Brahms, Dvorak, Fauré and Mozart but also take a keen interest in performing gems that are not so often heard in the concert hall by the likes of Frank Bridge, Arthur Bliss and Richard Strauss. 

Benjamin Frith was born in South Yorkshire in 1957 and from the age of ten studied with Fanny Waterman. His international career expanded after the award of a Gold Medal at the 1989 Arthur Rubinstein piano Masters Competition in Israel.

The violinist Robert Heard’s first orchestral job was with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra In 1990 he was invited to join the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra by Sir Simon Rattle as Associate Leader. Since then he has become a freelance musician.

Louise Williams began her career as a violinist and a founder member of the Endellion Quartet but was diverted to the viola in order to join the Chilingirian Quartet. She plays on a fine viola by the brothers Amati in 1616.

Richard Jenkinson started to play the ‘cello at the age of five and after winning a Scholarship studied with Florence Hooton until her sudden death in 1988. Whilst at the Guildhall he won all the ‘cello and chamber music prizes In 1998 he was appointed principal cello with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. He plays a ‘cello by G.B.Grancino of Milan of circa 1662. 

"The superb blend of the strings, the supreme finesse and sparkle with which the piano part was imbued, the luxuriant and sensuous ambiance of the slow movement, the consistently strong, powerful rhythmic presence and, naturally consummate musicianship – all were there." Brian Paynes, Westmoreland Gazette 2008.

Visit The Frith Quartet's website.