From the opening bar of this concert it was obvious we were in the hands of a consummately professional group of musicians. Mozart’s quartet composed in the last years of his life calls for sensitivity rather than any sort of grandstanding, and Martin Funda as first violin led his colleagues in establishing a truly elegiac atmosphere for this beautiful composition. With major themes occasionally dipping into minor keys, and otherwise straightforward musical scales given a new, magical touch, this was a
wonderful start to the concert. It was followed by Marco Nikodijević's Second Quartet, composed for these musicians and well rewarding the audience half way through with a thumping tango tune. Menacing at times, deeply atmospheric and with lots of work for Teresa Schwamm-Biskamp on the viola, this diverting new piece was much applauded.
 
After the interval, Schumann’s String Quartet once again showed our musicians in top form. Warmly affectionate at one moment, agitated at the next, pensive at all times, the personality of this brilliant but troubled composer came through this quartet as clearly and memorably as could possibly be. The enthusiastic applause by the end was well earned and a fitting response from a packed audience undaunted by the cold outside in such contrast to the warmth of the music within.