Peter Copley 50th Birthday Concert, Stanford Quartet

Haydn’s Quartet op.20 No.3 started the concert brilliantly and introduced the capacity audience to the quality of this ensemble, who have been adapting to injury and absences. It also prepared us well for the première of Hove-born Peter Copley’s String Quartet No.2, which is a thrilling new work for the repertoire. The opening of the slow movement is exquisite. A falling page of music obliged them to repeat the sparkling last movement. What luck!

Schubert’s C Major Quintet D956, with Peter playing the extra ’cello part, made a very satisfying second half to this most memorable concert. Happy Birthday Peter!

St Paul’s Church West Street, 27 March 2012

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