Carducci String Quartet / Anton Lesser | Shostakovich: Life, Friendship and Lett

Described by The Strad as presenting “a masterclass in unanimity of musical purpose, in which severity could melt seamlessly into charm, and drama into geniality”, the award-winning Carducci Quartet is internationally acclaimed as one of the most accomplished and versatile ensembles of today.

Following their enormously successful ‘Beethoven Letters’ programme, performed at Chiltern Arts in March 2023, the Carduccis present a concert that entwines extracts of Shostakovich’s letters with movements of his remarkable String Quartets. Steeped in political and personal history, Shostakovich’s powerful and emotive quartets are known for deeply moving the listener.

Delving into them alongside the composer’s own words — read by Endeavour and Game of Thrones star Anton Lesser — is an experience not to miss.

Earlier in the day, author and broadcaster Stephen Johnson will also give a talk on his fascinating book, How Shostakovich changed my mind.