The Zelkova Quartet played for us on the 27th November, 2014. They are:
Caroline Pether (violin)
Ed Pether (violin)*
Alex Mitchell (viola)*
Jonathan Pether (cello)
Two changes of personnel since they played for us in 2014. *
Their website reports successes and new ventures. An exciting opportunity will launch in September: Zelkova have been chosen to create the Royal Northern College of Music's first String Quartet Studio and will undertake a year-long bespoke programme of study.
Last year they were winners of the St Martin's Chamber Music Competition. This year they are Concordia Foundation selected artists and have also been offered a Senior Award from the Hattori Foundation for Music and the Arts.
They have recently recorded their debut CD of music composed by Nicholas Simpson, joined by soprano Charlotte Trepess for one of the three works. To be released by Stone Records.
The Quartet kindly took time out for a blog interview, prior to their performance for us in 2014. When asked about their unusual name, this was the response:
We're called Zelkova for a completely unmusical reason! A zelkova is a type of tree and when the quartet started we wanted to have a name that stood out off the page, was memorable and slightly exotic.
It would appear that 'Zelkova' was a wise choice!
For more information on the Zelkova Quartet view their website here.