The Wihan Quartet play Dvořák, Ravel and Mozart at Turner Sims

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.

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.

For the first of their pair of 25th Anniversary concerts at the Wigmore Hall, the Wihan Quartet chose a programme of three quartets from their native Czech, from Martinů, Dvořák and Smetana. You might have expected four musicians from Czech to have an affinity for this work, and you would not have been disappointed.

Die Jahrzehnte dauernde Rückkehr des Dirigenten nach Heidelberg avanciert zu einem ergreifenden, begeisternden Fest von Botschaft und Musik, mit dem er interpretatorisch weiter in fast eigener Liga spielt.

Chor und Orchester des Collegium Vocale Gent und ihr charismatischer Leiter Philippe Herreweghe, längst Legenden der historischen Aufführungspraxis, beweisen, dass die Doppelchörigkeit der Matthäus-Passion nicht nur ein Stereo-Phänomen ist.