Live, Video: Find classical music concert, opera, ballet and dance reviews | String Quartet no. 2 "Company"

The group's expansive program shrinks in a relaxed performance in a small space

New York-based string quartet Brooklyn Rider epitomizes the new movement within classical music which advocates ‘unfettered’ performances and a contemporarly look, and has built a following on this image. 

Five string quartets performed by four musicians – each musician with an intricate understanding of the world of new music. The Smith Quartet are well established as being the modern music quartet to hear in the United Kingdom – having commissioned over 200 new works and working with the likes of Reich, Nyman and Glass – if you are a fan of minimalism.

Bathed in a wash of soft blue light, St John’s Smith Square was home to a remarkable concert on Friday night with the Smith Quartet presenting all five of Philip Glass’ string quartets. The performance, played with the sensitivity of real experts in this repertoire, provided an insightful and absorbing overview to the many different sides of Glass.