Overview
The Schubert Ensemble, formed in 1983, is established as one of the world’s leading exponents of music for piano and strings. It has performed worldwide and has recorded over thirty critically-acclaimed CDs. The group appears regularly at London’s Wigmore Hall, and has an established relationship with King’s Place which has resulted in a number of concert series. This is the ensemble’s fourth music weekend at The Castle Hotel in Taunton.
The musicians give talks and demonstrations before the performances, a feature of their concerts for which they are famed and which they do brilliantly.
The programme consists entirely of music for piano quartet, including some of the greatest chamber works of the Classical and Romantic eras.
Concert 1: Friday 26 January, 6.00pm
Pre-concert talk at 5.30pm
Dvořák, Piano Quartet No.1 in D, Op.23
Brahms, Piano Quartet No.1 in G minor, Op.25.
Concert 2: Saturday 27 January, 11.00am
Pre-concert talk at 10.30am
Mozart, Piano Quartet No.2 in E flat, K.493
Chausson, Piano Quartet in A, Op.30
Concert 3: Saturday 27 January, 6.00pm
Pre-concert talk at 5.30pm
Brahms, Piano Quartet No.3 in C minor, Op.60
Dvořák, Piano Quartet No.2 in E flat, Op.87
Concert 4: Sunday 28 January, 11.00am
Pre-concert talk at 10.30am
Schumann, Piano Quartet in E flat, Op.47
Fauré, Piano Quartet No.2 in G minor, Op.45
Price – per person
£730 with one dinner or £770 with both dinners (there is no single supplement); garden room £870 with one dinner or £910 with both dinners.
Included: admission to all concerts and pre-concert talks; accommodation for two nights at The Castle Hotel; breakfasts; two afternoon teas; dinners (choose to attend one, or two dinners – see ‘Prices’); interval drinks; programme booklet; tips for hotel staff.
Accommodation
The Castle Hotel, Taunton: renowned for its excellent service, for comforts traditional and modern and for its superb catering. It has been owned and run by the Chapman family for over 60 years. There is a lift to all floors but please let us know if you require a bedroom without step access, or if you use a wheelchair.
Tickets to individual concerts: £20 evenings or £15 mornings. Each ticket includes admission to the concert and pre-concert talk, an interval drink and programme booklet.
'The total ambience is unique. The comfort and non-hurried pace enabled a relaxed attention at the concerts.'
'It was a real treat to have the salient features of the pieces explained in such an informative and not-too-technical manner.'
'I loved the vigour of the playing and the ensemble's mutual commitment.'