Ligeti Quartet | |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Genres | Contemporary classical music |
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Members | Freya Goldmark (violin I), Patrick Dawkins (violin II), Richard Jones (viola), Valerie Welbanks (cello) |
| Website | https://ligetiquartet.com |
The Ligeti Quartet is a British string quartet ensemble founded in 2010, best known for its performances and advocacy of modern and contemporary music. The group has commissioned and premiered new works by living composers, championed genre-crossing collaborations, and appeared at prominent venues and festivals internationally. [1] [2]
The quartet was established in 2010 by graduates from the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal College of Music, and the University of Oxford with the main aim to champion contemporary repertoire and innovative presentation. [3] The ensemble takes its name from the Hungarian avant-garde composer György Ligeti, reflecting the quartet’s focus on inventive and exploratory repertoire. [1]
The group has served in several educational and residency roles, including positions at the University of Cambridge, the University of Sheffield, Goldsmiths, University of London, and Nottingham High School, where they led workshops and community outreach initiatives. [2]
The Ligeti Quartet has performed in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Kings Place, Wigmore Hall, Purcell Room and Barbican Hall. [2] [3]
The Ligeti Quartet has appeared at international music festivals and events, performing in the UK, Europe, North America, and beyond. Notable examples include:
The quartet has collaborated with a wide range of composers and performers across musical genres. These include:
They have commissioned new works funded by national trusts and arts organisations including Britten Pears Arts, the Hinrichsen Foundation, the Vaughan Williams Foundation, and Arts Council England. [2]
The Ligeti Quartet has received multiple grants and awards supporting both artistic creation and community engagement, including:
The Ligeti Quartet’s discography includes:
Additional recordings and releases can be found in commercial discographies and music databases. [7]
In addition to residencies at major universities, the quartet has undertaken educational outreach globally, including workshops at institutions such as the Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada’s Glenn Gould School and the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen. [2]