Wihan Quartet play Czech music

Star performers and a smart program offer an insightful look at a neglected composer.

The Wihan Quartet reinforce their reputation as top interpreters of Dvořák at the Bradfield Festival.

The Wihan Quartet was formed in 1985 in Czechoslovakia. Since then they have developed an impressive international career, often visiting the UK and being broadcast on its airwaves. Among their achievements is a published recording of Dvořák’s String Quartet no. 11, and it was this recording, not their continued and celebrated presence in the UK, that first brought them to my attention.

This was one of two concerts to celebrate the Wihan Quartet's 25th anniversary. Both were at London’s Wigmore Hall which has become the ideal venue for young and established groups on the International scene playing chamber music for all sorts of combinations.

Viktoria Mullova is a superb soloist in Brahms' Violin Concerto, while an orchestra full of soloists play Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra with Kahchun Wong presiding. 

Kristiina Poska directs the RSNO in gripping Tchaikovsky and Pärt, but words and music only occasionally match in Elena Langer's new song cycle.