This evening is part of a special exchange between the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the mdw-University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.
Two established string quartets, the Vienna-based Zorá Quartet and the Coalitiō Quartet from London, will share with the audience their working process and its outcome on two canonical chamber music works: Schubert’s string quartet No. 13 in a minor D. 804 (Rosamunde) and Mendelssohn string octet in E flat major op. 20. The event will include a workshop followed by a performance, and an open conversation with the audience.
Rather than a formal concert, this is an invitation to join the musicians during their work in progress, experience them taking risks, applying intense heightened listening and musical telepathy as well as searching for expressing narrative.
The audience is warmly invited to participate by asking questions and become a part of the process!
The word 'Improvisation' sounds like the complete opposite of what high quality classical music performance is about, doesn’t it?
This is far from what European art-music performance was about until the end of the 19th century, when listeners expected to be surprised and be taken into the unexpected. The performance of well-known works included improvised repeats, extemporised preludes before and interludes between movements and entire pieces, improvised cadenzas and singings. In addition, fantasias were often improvised on themes provided by the audience.
The Austrian mdw and the Guildhall School in London are collaborating in reviving this tradition and its spirit. This event demonstrates this collaboration, guided by Professor Johannes Meissl (mdw) and Professor David Dolan (Guildhall School).
Please note: Tickets are limited and need to be booked on our website in advance. You will not be able to attend the event without a pre-booked ticket.
We would like to inform you that all guests must show proof of either a negative Covid-19 lateral flow test (not older than 24 hours), full vaccination status or recent recovery from Covid-19. We ask you also to follow social distancing, wear a mask and sanitise your hands. Please do not visit the ACF if you have Covid symptoms.
