Darlington Quartet and Graeme Gilling

Bringing together talented musicians from the Australian String Quartet and West Australian Symphony Orchestra, this special one-off concert will see the Darlington Quartet and pianist Graeme Gilling give the meaning of exceptional chamber music. Expect subtle, refined playing paired with boldness of interpretation and attack, all in service of great works sure to touch the heart and mind.

One such work to look out for is Mozart’s String Quartet No 14, better known by its nickname, the Spring Quartet. It’s a fittingly effervescent, spontaneous-sounding piece, composed by a 26-year-old Mozart as the first of six works written in tribute to Haydn, considered the father of the string quartet form. What’s notable about Spring is the complex variety of its four movements, and the glowing thread of optimism that binds them together. The Darlington Quartet are sure to do it full justice, known for their joyful music making.

Standing in contrast to Mozart’s buoyant work is Amy Beach’s Piano Quintet, an important piece in the American chamber canon. Graeme Gilling will show his mettle in this highly demanding work, which is almost orchestral in its dense textures and sounds. Moody and agitated in places, the Quintet has a blistering emotional intensity sure to pin audiences to their seats.

Emma Jayakumar’s Bell Birds will meanwhile provide audiences with the respite of the outdoors. A stirring evocation of the Australian bush inspired by Henry Kendall’s poem of the same name, listeners journey from the Perth Hills all the way to the Blue Mountains. The Darlington Quartet will present the third movement, titled Loiters knee deep in the grasses to listen. 

Download the program guide here, or view it below.