The Endellion String Quartet was a

British British may refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * British people, nationals or natives of the United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories, and Crown Dependencies. ** Britishness, the British identity and common culture * British English, ...

string quartet The term string quartet can refer to either a type of musical composition or a group of four people who play them. Many composers from the mid-18th century onwards wrote string quartets. The associated musical ensemble consists of two violinist ...

, named after

St Endellion St Endellion ( kw, Sen Endelyn) is a civil parish and hamlet in north Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. The hamlet and parish church are situated four miles (6.5 km) north of Wadebridge. The parish takes its name from Saint Endelienta, who ...

in Cornwall.

History

The quartet was formed in 1979 with the following original members: * Andrew Watkinson, violin * Louise Williams, violin * Garfield Jackson, viola * David Waterman, cello In 1986, Ralph de Souza replaced Louise Williams as second violin of the quartet. The Endellion Quartet became the quartet-in-residence at

Cambridge University , mottoeng = Literal: From here, light and sacred draughts. Non literal: From this place, we gain enlightenment and precious knowledge. , established = , other_name = The Chancellor, Masters and Schola ...

in 1992. The quartet regularly performed at such venues as

Wigmore Hall Wigmore Hall is a concert hall located at 36 Wigmore Street, London. Originally called Bechstein Hall, it specialises in performances of chamber music, early music, vocal music and song recitals. It is widely regarded as one of the world's leadi ...

. The quartet has commissioned new music from such composers as Sally Beamish, Prach Boondiskulchok, Jonathan Dove, and Giles Swayne. The quartet received the 1996 award for 'Best Chamber Ensemble' from the

Royal Philharmonic Society The Royal Philharmonic Society (RPS) is a British music society, formed in 1813. Its original purpose was to promote performances of instrumental music in London. Many composers and performers have taken part in its concerts. It is now a memb ...

. Their commercial recordings included a Beethoven album for Warner Classics and Jazz. The Endellion Quartet had planned the 2019–2020 concert season as their farewell season. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented the quartet from performing their final scheduled concerts in the 2019–2020 season, as originally planned. In February 2021, the quartet decided not to reschedule these planned farewell concerts and to disband, with immediate effect.

References

External links

Official website
Musical groups from Cambridge Musical groups established in 1979 English string quartets 1979 establishments in the United Kingdom {{Classical-ensemble-stub