Photo credit: Rosemary Marley/West Dean College of Arts and Conservation
Four wonderful musicians; one extraordinary sound
For over four decades, the Chilingirian String Quartet has thrilled critics and audiences around the world with its vibrant, virtuosic performances of classical and contemporary chamber music.Theirs is a sound that is both powerful and precise; richly interpretive and yet always true to the composer’s vision. Today, the quartet continues to build on its legacy with an energetic touring schedule, an ever- expanding repertoire, and a series of acclaimed recordings for the Hyperion and Chandos labels.
The Chilingirian Quartet continues to nurture new generations of gifted musicians as the Quartet-in-Residence at London’s Royal College of Music, and through a close affiliation with Venezuela’s Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra. Listen to the ensemble that has been called “magnificent,” “pure, fresh, and honest,” and “one of the great string quartets of our day.” Discover the art of the Chilingirian String Quartet.
10 Songs by Komitas Armenian Genocide centenary
January 16, 2015A video multimedia project of songs by Komitas notated before 1915 of Armenian peasant songs and the Genocide. The songs are arrangements by Aslamazian for string quartet performed by the Chilingirian Quartet and featuring archive and family photos, reminiscences about the role played by music in forging a new Armenian community in Cyprus after 1915
Announcement:
October 6, 2020Ronnie Birks Announcement 6th October 2020 It is with great sadness that we wanted to let all followers of the Quartet know that Ronnie Birks died peacefully at home on October 6th. We shall always remember him fondly as a true friend and highly-respected colleague.
Manoug Parikian, my teacher by Levon Chilingirian
February 20, 2016Me and my teacher: Levon Chilingirian and Manoug Parikian When I began taking violin lessons with my uncle, I was forced to re-examine every aspect of my playing He was strict but he encouraged his students to find themselves. He also had a wonderful patience. Like most people of that age I had a feeling that I had a lot … Read More
Discover videos, podcasts, interviews on music performance & ideas
January 20, 2016What makes a string quartet? You can find out by subscribing to our podcasts, video interviews and reflections “At every turn one heard uncanny refinements of detail, with good taste, elegance…an ensemble of world stature.” – The Boston Globe What makes a string quartet thrive, what are the ideas, influences and dynamics of musical performance? … Read More
Lakeside Arts Centre Nottingham concert 28th January 2016
January 20, 2016Nottingham chamber music concert January 26th 2016 If you’re in Nottingham, catch our concert at the Lakeside Arts Centre, 26th January where we’ll performing: Beethoven String Quartet No. 11 in F minor, Op. 95 ‘Serioso’ Bartók String Quartet No. 3 Dvorák String Quartet No. 13 in G major, Op. 106 Thu 28 Jan 7.30pm 1 hr 40 mins incl. … Read More
Film: Mendelssohn on Mull Festival nurturing young musicians
January 19, 2016Mendelssohn on Mull is a Scottish chamber music festival which takes place every year in the first week of July. The festival has been running for over 26 years is one of the most exceptional music experiences in the world. Certainly one of friendliest. It’s a simple idea – to bring a new generation of musicians into contact with seasoned professional mentors in relaxed and stunning surroundings, far from the treadmill and stresses of the professional music circuit. They workshop beautiful music and then perform a series of free concerts in venues across Mull, Iona and in Oban.
Music Appreciation Day: Beethoven & Mozart 22 May 2016
January 18, 2016“Now that is a great piece!” This was Beethoven’s comment when a visitor noticed he had copied the entire finale of Mozart’s A Major Quartet in his sketchbook. Join the charismatic Chilingirian Quartet for an enlightening study of Mozart K464 and Beethoven Op 18 No 5 Quartets, illustrating the touching tribute Beethoven paid to Mozart’s … Read More
Video: What’s it like to play in a string quartet?
January 18, 2016Short video interview with Susie Mészáros, violist with the Chilingirian Quartet
Music Appreciation Day: Bartók & Beethoven 23 April 2016
January 18, 2016Get deeper in Beethoven and Bartok with the Chilingirian Quartet music appreciation day 23 April 2016 in the beautiful surroundings of West Dean College, West Sussex
Education
January 17, 2016The Quartet maintains a keen balance between its performance and teaching activities. Its residencies have included: Royal College of Music (1988 to present) West Dean College (1983 to present) Lake District Summer Music Festival (1984 to present) Liverpool University (1973 – 1976) Norway Chamber Music Association (1984 – 1996) Sussex University (1985 – 1993) ROYAL COLLEGE OF … Read More
Artists in Residence at Shakespeare’s Globe, London
March 10, 2015Artists in Residence at Shakespeare’s Globe, London Soul searching concert FEBRUARY 22nd 2016 Chilingirian Quartet feature as Artists’ in Residence at Shakespeare’s Globe Monday 22 February, 7.30pm Tickets £10 standing £15 – £48 seats £62 premium tickets Levon Chilingirian leads a soul-searching programme of music composed from inside two 20th century prison camps. Messiaen’s titanic Quatuor … Read More