Susanne Stanzeleit, violin
Robin Ireland, viola
Bernard Gregor-Smith, ‘cello
John Thwaites, piano
The Primrose Piano Quartet is named in honour of William Primrose CBE (1904-82), one of the finest violists of the twentieth century, and his piano quartet, the Festival Quartet. Formed in 2002, it unites two long-standing partnerships: Susanne Stanzeleit and John Thwaites met twenty years ago at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and are members of the Audley Horn Trio; Robin Ireland and Bernard Gregor-Smith spent twenty years together in the Lindsays.
Together they have made a specialism of British repertoire, with a comprehensive survey of the twentieth century literature, and ongoing relationships with many composers. The group's first CD of works by Thomas Dunhill, William Hurlstone, Roger Quilter and Arnold Bax was released to wide critical acclaim in December 2004, and their second CD of works by Cyril Scott, William Alwyn, Herbert Howells and Frank Bridge, which followed in 2006 was a Five Star choice in the Classic FM Magazine. They celebrated William Hurlstone's Centenary (30th May 2006) live on BBC Radio Three and at the Wigmore Hall the following day. Commissions include a new twenty minute work by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies with premières for the July 2008 Cheltenham Festival (World), Paxton House Festival (Scottish) and South Place Concerts (London).
The Quartet was selected for the Making Music Concert Promoters' Network in 2004/05, and also tour every year in Scotland, recently including the five concert 2007 Argyll and Bute tour. In 2004 the group was appointed Quartet-in-Residence at the London College of Music. In addition to annual concert cycles, they coach chamber music, work with composition students and present masterclasses.
Future plans include a recording for the Meridian label of Richard Strauss's Piano Quartet, Violin Sonata and Cello Sonata for release in 2008.