Pavel Haas Quartet & Colin Currie, Wigmore Hall

One of today’s most charismatic and gifted percussionists meets an internationally acclaimed string quartet in a stunning programme of music by Czech composers. Much-loved works by Janáček and Dvořák meet two lesser-known compositions, one of which will receive its UK premiere from the musicians for whom it was written.
Jiří Gemrot, Director in Chief of Czech Radio, completed his Quintet for Currie and the Pavel Haas Quartet in 2014. Enchanting lyricism and unusual sound effects rub against one another in this dynamic new work. It is complemented by Pavel Haas’s neglected second quartet, 'From the Monkey Mountains': the work evokes a region of the Czech highlands, depicting a journey through the landscape, peaceful night-time contemplation and finally a festive dance. Better known is Janáček’s ‘Intimate Letters’, an impassioned outpouring of love for a much younger woman. The emotional turbulence of this work is balanced by Dvořák’s Miniatures, a set of four altogether more tranquil yet often melancholic compositions.
Colin Currie is a musician at the top of his game. Described as “one of the greatest musicians in the world today” by composer Steve Reich, Currie’s dynamic performances and technical virtuosity has inspired many of today’s greatest composers. The Pavel Haas Quartet are just as highly regarded: with numerous awards and many superlative reviews to their name, the ensemble are unquestionably one of the most exciting groups on the chamber music circuit.
Bringing together some of today’s most highly regarded musicians to perform some of the most enchanting music to come from the Czech Republic, this concert is one of the highlights of the season. Book now.