York Guitar Quartet
A blend of originals and arrangements of baroque, classical, romantic and twentieth century music

John Mackenzie: Requinto & Tenor Guitar
Andrew Forrest: Requinto & Tenor Guitar
Mark Currey: Tenor Guitar
David Scarth: Bass Guitar

PROGRAMME

Gluck: Che Farò Senza Euridice
Marianna Martines: Cantata
Andrew Forrest: A Ja Som Z Oravy Debnár
Anon: Andulko Šafářova
Fanny Hensel Mendelssohn: Notturno (H.337)
Mélanie Chasselon: Abandon (Nocturne)

*** Interval ***

J.S.Bach: Prelude in B minor – BWV855a
Peter Maxwell Davies: Farewell to Stromness
Joaquín Nin: Granadina
Amy Beach: Farewell Summer – Opus 102 No.1; Scottish Legend – Opus 54 No.1
Cécile Chaminade: Danse Créole – Opus 94
Clara Wieck Schumann: Quatre Pièces Caractéristiques, Opus 5

The York Guitar Quartet started performing as an ensemble in 1983. Since then they have toured extensively performing at Arts Centres, Festivals, Universities and many other venues.
All members of the Quartet are professional performers and teachers. As individuals they are interested in diverse forms of guitar music whilst they have, between them, an impressive performance record including numerous TV and radio broadcasts.

The Quartet currently offers an inspiring and unusual repertoire which blends originals and arrangements of baroque, classical, romantic and twentieth century music. The twenty first century is already well represented. A unique mixture of instruments provides a range of five octaves, allowing the group access to music normally unavailable to the solo guitar or other ensembles. Arrangements and commissions undertaken specifically for the Quartet ensure that all their performances are exciting and fresh. To commemorate the centenary of women’s suffrage, our programme has recently had a strong focus on women composers.

“I know of no other guitar ensemble with a less clichéd repertoire.”
Richard Wright Musician

“…. the quartet producing a surprising range of expression from bold, brassy sonorities to the quietest pianissimo which brought an almost profound stillness to the audience.” Classical Guitar

“….. a group that is growing in stature at each appearance” Martin Dreyer, Yorkshire Evening Press