Oundle pupils take part in National Young String Quartet Weekend

Published on isbi School News dated Tuesday 4th of March 2014

Two talented string quartets from Oundle School recently took part in a prestigious National Young String Quartet Weekend event organised by Wigmore Hall Learning at Watford School of Music, joining string players from a number of conservatoires and specialist music schools.

The coaches included Mark Messenger RCM (Violin), Cristoph Richter (Cello), Pavel Fischer (ex Skampa 4tet Violin), Rafael Todes (Allegri 4tet Violin), Miguel de Silva (Viola), Nicholas Jones (Chethams' - Cello) and the Carducci 4tet (Winners of the Evian International String Quartet competition).

Head of Strings at Oundle, Angus Gibbon commented, 'Each quartet had individual coaching and workshops and the opportunity to hear faculty recitals, as well as opportunities for the pupils to socialise and build friendships with musicians from other schools. Our pupils benefited from not only a weekend of musical inspiration, but also from new ideas on quartet technique and advice on effective rehearsal methods. The weekend culminated in a concert at the music school's new 400 seat concert hall.

The Oundle 'Chan 4tet' impressed all of the coaches and the audience with their mature interpretation and independence of thought. The experience was invaluable for all of our pupils.'