Last night, classical music enthusiasts were treated to an unforgettable evening with a stunning performance by the Marmen Quartet. The concert, held at St Michael’s church in Michaelchurch Escley, was a testament to the ensemble’s exceptional talent and artistry.

From the moment they took the stage, the Marmen Quartet captured the audience’s attention with their expressive, deliberate and meticulous performance. The programme featured a French double header with pieces by Ravel and Debussy, coupled with two lesser-known works by Mozart and Haydn. The music was a bright and joyful.

The evening opened with Haydn’s String Quartet Op 33 No 6 , setting a tone of anticipation and excitement. Each member of the quartet brought their unique voice to the performance, yet together they created a seamless and harmonious blend of sound.

One of the most captivating moments was Debussy’s String Quartet, where the Marmen Quartet delivered an electrifying performance, leaving the audience with a sense of euphoria and wondering what the second half of the concert would bring.

They were not to be disappointed. Mozart’s early String Quartet K159 may be short in length, but it the beauty of the Marmen Quartet’s astonishing inflections more than made up for it. The final piece, Ravel’s String Quartet, cemented the quartet’s reputation for the courage, vitality and intensity of its performances.

The depth of interpretation in both the Ravel and the Debussy were particularly moving, leaving the audience in awe of the quartet’s sensitivity and technical prowess.

As the final notes echoed through the church, the audience erupted into enthusiastic applause, acknowledging the Marmen Quartet’s outstanding performance. Commenting afterwards, one concert goer said “The Marmen Quartet was fantastic, way beyond any other quartet that I have heard in the area. I often leave quartet concerts in the interval, so frustrated by poor intonation, etc! The blending of instruments as well as the technical prowess and beautiful intonation was fantastic.”

For those who had the privilege of attending, the concert was a reminder of the transformative impact of live music. The Marmen Quartet continues to be a leading force in the world of chamber music, and their performance last night was nothing short of superb.

👏 Bravo, Marmen Quartet! We eagerly await your next captivating performance. 🎻