Following an erudite introduction by the new Chairman, Anna Hill, Doric String Quartet came on stage, vibrantly expressing the logic and ingenuity of Bach, with four movements from his enigmatic Art of Fugue, combining music with mathematics, via his own philosophy. Following this, the cellist, John Myerscough, eloquently introduced their next work, an astonishing quartet written in 1928 by the renowned 20th century Czech composer, Leoš Janácek – sub-titled Intimate Letters, as it was inspired by his passionate affection for a young woman called Kamila. All four musicians instantaneously demonstrated their dynamic individuality as they moved on through the enticing themes, rhythm and incredible intensity of this Quartet, at the same time powerfully emphasizing their magnetic musical fusion as they blended weird and wonderful sounds to create an enchanting spectrum of passion, joy and excitement – a tumultuous whirlwind of emotion!

The strong individual personality of all four came to light once more as the concert concluded with one of Beethoven's most popular works – the first of his three 'Razumovsky' Quartets, dedicated to Count Razumovsky, the Russian ambassador to his hometown, Vienna. As before, all four musicians – especially cellist and lead violinist – transformed their dazzling individual personalities into entrancing musical cohesion, generating massive admiration and respect from the full-house audience.

John Wheatley.