Skampa Quartet - Reviews

Kendal Midday Concert Club

17. March 2010

From the serene opening of Beethoven’s Quartet Op.18 No.3 it was obvious that for its final concert of the season the Kendal Midday Concert Club had secured the services of a remarkably fine ensemble. As I hear again in my mind the sublime, incredibly warm sounds issuing from the Skampa String Quartet I realise that only on rare occasions are we privileged to have such exquisite musical experiences.

These days we take superb technical expertise for granted. The Skampa possesses that in abundance, and so much more. Whatever the context (they also played a work of striking contrast, Dvořák’s ‘American’ Quartet,) they perform with utterly convincing stylistic accuracy and phenomenal, explosive intensity. Their performances are vital, alive, crisp and rhythmic, their tonal blend is beautiful and flawless, their phrasing spacious and subtle and no detail is ever ignored. Most memorable, however, is their use of dynamic contrast - the manner in which they move effortlessly from the most ethereal of moments to those of deep passion is stunning.

The Club’s season has been outstanding but I venture to say the best came last.

Brian Paynes, Westmorland Gazette, March 2010