The Stradivarius Ensemble performs in London

Yesterday evening the musicians of the Stradivarius Ensemble presented a concert programme at one of the world’s most prestigious venues – London’s Barbican Centre. Valery Gergiev conducted the ensemble in a performance that included Edvard Grieg’s suite From Holberg’s Time, Richard Strauss’ Metamorphosen and Dmitry Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony, Op. 110.

The famous Stradivarius Ensemble, established on the initiative of maestro Gergiev, comprises the best musicians from the Mariinsky Orchestra who perform the world’s most famous and unique-sounding early string instruments. Truly exceptional in terms of the beauty of their sound, the incredibly rich timbres of masterpieces produced by such craftsmen as Amati, Stradivarius, Guarneri del Gesù, Guadagnini and Gofriller imbue all the well-known and beloved works in the classical repertoire with completely new and inimitable expression. Performances by the Stradivarius Ensemble are invariably sold out, proving immensely popular with audiences and critics alike.

“Try to imagine your favourite combination of power, softness and luxury – dark chocolate and whipped cream, iron fists in velvet gloves, a sports car lined in rich leather – and you can begin to imagine the experience of hearing the Stradivarius Ensemble of the Mariinsky Orchestra.”
John Terauds, Musical Toronto

“Making their British debut under Valery Gergiev in the Guildhall’s new Milton Court auditorium, the Stradivarius Ensemble went through their paces with three works which showcased their instruments as much as their talent.”
Michael Church, The Independent

“The lustrous sonic fabric created by the string players assembled here was of undeniable quality, bringing a richness of substance and a refinement of surface to virtually everything they attempted.”
George Hall, The Guardian