Favourite works by Beethoven and Bridge plus the world premiere of a new work by Colin Matthews written especially for this wonderful group.

The Gildas Quartet plays Beethoven’s very special “Eroica” quartet – so nicknamed because of its glorious transcendent finale. A work of such radiance is a beautiful balance to some of the more shadowy works in our Festival, but also a fitting end to the quartet itself, which begins in dissonance and doubt. As a microcosm of “inextinguishable hope”, the first Saturday morning of the Festival is the perfect time to enjoy it, played by the exquisite Gildas Quartet.

Colin Matthews wrote his sixth string quartet for these artists, and we are thrilled to present its world premiere in this recital. The programme is completed by the Three Idylls of Frank Bridge – himself a master of the quartet form, and a lifelong influence on Benjamin Britten – they are delightful in their shifting colours and stirring moods.