From January to May of this year, the Villiers led their project VQ Create, a series of online composition workshops for young people aged 14 - 18 to explore the world of string quartet composition. The Villiers worked with four schools in this project: St. Marylebone School (London), Graveney School (London), Framingham Early High School (Norfolk) and Trinity Catholic School (Nottingham). Most of this project took place during lockdown, with the students meeting virtually with the Villiers. With the help of their teachers and mentors, the students wrote short works to express their creativity during this time. Many of the students had never written for quartet before. This concert showcases the final compositions that have come out of this project.
Programme:
Kezia Pollendine – Mbe Mbe
Nicholas Ikoyi - Dazed
George Robson - Sonnet
Isabelle Ajani - First Rain
Roko Orosnjak - Birdsong
Pen Hughes - agitate
Faye-Wynne Hall - VQCreate
Archie K. Chettleburgh - The Docks
Rhianna D’Souza – Surgere et Cadere
Maya Narracott - A Story of Coronavirus
Named after Villiers Street in London, the Villiers Quartet encompasses the grand and iconic spirit of the extraordinary music tradition in Britain and has been praised for “exquisite ensemble playing” (Seen & Heard International), and their absolute “commitment and virtuosity” (The Sunday Times). The Villiers Quartet is the Quartet-in-Residence at the Jacqueline Du Pré Music Building at St. Hilda’s College, Oxford University.
