Ar hyn of bryd mae'r cynnwys hwn ar gael yn Saesneg yn unig.
Ar hyn of bryd mae'r cynnwys hwn ar gael yn Saesneg yn unig.
Ar hyn of bryd mae'r cynnwys hwn ar gael yn Saesneg yn unig.
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On graduating from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where they formed in 2020, Quartet Draig had already identified some defining commitments for their collaboration: a ‘shared love of the intimate nature of chamber playing’, to ‘relish the feeling of understanding each other’s musical voices’, and creating a space that is 'safe to experiment together'. A few (successful) years later, and given this united mission, their journey seems destined to continue.
Its four musicians are either from, have lived in, or have family links to Wales. Tabitha Selley, the quartet’s cellist, feels that this is integral to the Quartet Draig’s identity, deepening both their connection with and their commitment to championing works by Welsh composers. This interest places them firmly on the Welsh music scene, as they cover a diversity of projects and collaborations that all serve to enhance and develop their sound. Part of their new album is an arrangement, written collaboratively, which was inspired by Welsh folk tunes. In rehearsing and workshopping these traditional songs, the quartet collaborated to find the ‘live’ version of their arrangements.
Gwlad y Gân, Quartet Draig's debut album is released on 28 April
In the short time since their formation, Quartet Draig have secured numerous engagements, including performances at Eisteddfod yr Urdd, for the Welsh Government, at the National Museum of Wales, and in two competitions at Wigmore Hall, London. They have gained some unforgettable experiences and achievements and relish a new challenge. Tabitha says the quartet ‘are always inspired and excited when we are approached by a new venue, festival, or artist; it truly feels like there is a shared sense of creativity and innovation in the Welsh music industry.’
With the upcoming release on Ty Cerdd’s artist-led Sionci imprint of Gwlad y Gân, listeners can hear the quartet perform recent projects that are central to their mission, as well as music that has never been recorded before. The ensemble is attracted to ‘the warm and rich sound world of the string quartet, which is why we are often drawn to performing Welsh and English Works’ says Tabitha, and there’s plenty in this vein on this new release – from Grace Williams to Edward Elgar, William Mathias to Imogen Holst, alongside music by Frank Bridge and the folksong arrangements created by the quartet.
The members of Quartet Draig
'relish the feeling of understanding each other’s musical voices'
Significantly, Quartet Draig have commissioned Welsh composer Cameron Biles-Liddell to write a string quartet for them, a substantial, four-movement work that opens the release. Cameron took inspiration from Welsh folklore, which the quartet took for a jumping off point to build the programme for this new EP. Funding bids followed to support the album production, with support from Tŷ Cerdd, along with touring, and eventually recording. ‘It has been a long process but a very exciting one. Everyone at Tŷ Cerdd has been supportive and committed to our vision in putting the whole album together. Everyone there is so friendly and passionate about what they do. It is always a pleasure to work with them and visit the studio.’ For Quartet Draig the album is particularly special, in that each member was ‘involved in it – from inception, through creation, performance, and then recording’.
Quartet Draig performS music from their debut album in Cardiff on Tuesday 28 April
An album launch concert will be held at Jacobs Antiques in Cardiff on Tuesday 28 April at 6:30pm, with tickets available HERE
Excerpts from the album will also be performed at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod on the afternoon of Sunday 12 July, and the quartet will appear at the Llandeilo Music Festival in June, performing Schumann’s String Quartet No. 2 .
Immy Hollins is an Arts Management MA student at the Royal Welsh College of Drama, currently undertaking an internship with Tŷ Cerdd.