The University of St Andrews Music Centre has announced that the Fitzwilliam String Quartet will take up a new role as Quartet in Residence.
Regular visitors to the university for nearly a decade, the renowned ensemble will be involved in a variety of activities including the regular coaching of student string players and scholarship groups and the mentoring of advanced players looking to enter postgraduate study or the music profession.
The group will also continue to participate in special projects with university groups such as Byre Opera and St Salvator’s Chapel Choir as well as leading its hugely popular Strings in Spring Course for student, amateur and young professional quartets from throughout the UK and beyond.
Michael Downes, the university’s director of music, said: “Since the Fitzwilliam String Quartet first visited St Andrews in 2010, they have made an enormous impact on musical life in the University and the town.
“As one of the few leading British quartets to perform regularly on both modern and period instruments, their incredibly versatile musicianship has been displayed in projects as diverse as productions of Baroque opera (most recently they led the orchestra for Handel’s Xerxes in the Byre), CD recordings with St Salvator’s Chapel Choir and premiering contemporary works with principals from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.
“They are deeply committed to the development of both young and amateur string players and the generosity with which they share their expertise has already benefited hundreds of musicians in St Andrews, whether in the masterclasses and coaching they have undertaken with the student body, or on the annual Strings in Spring courses that attract musicians from across the UK and beyond.”
The Fitzwilliam String Quartet was founded at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, in October 1968, which makes the Fitzwilliam one of the longest established string quartets in the world.
>> Keep up to date with the latest news with The Courier newsletter
Lucy Russell, the Quartet’s first violinist, said: “The group is excited to be associated with this exceptional university, and will be delighted to contribute to its already burgeoning musical scene.”
It is understood the residency will be launched at a special concert later this month.
