The Brodsky Quartet open their new series at Kings Place with a powerful and wide-ranging programme, joined by the exceptional Sir Willard White — one of the most admired bass voices of the last half-century. Memory Unwrapped reflects on musical heritage, reinvention and artistic partnership, bringing together classical repertoire, American songbook classics and operatic favourites in one richly expressive evening.
The programme revisits the Quartet’s acclaimed ten-year residency at Kings Place and draws inspiration from the Hollywood Quartet’s fabled collaborations with Frank Sinatra. Listeners can expect Barber’s dramatic Dover Beach, Copland’s heartfelt Americana, Gershwin’s unmistakable melodic charm, and a selection of Schubert’s most cherished Lieder, including The Trout and Death and the Maiden. Willard White’s commanding voice brings new resonance to songs from Porgy and Bess, Show Boat and classic hits such as My Way, highlighting his extraordinary ability to bridge opera, musical theatre and popular song.
The Brodsky Quartet — Krysia Osostowicz (violin), Ian Belton (violin), Paul Cassidy (viola) and Jacqueline Thomas (cello) — are renowned for their boundary-crossing collaborations and for broadening the possibilities of the string quartet format. Since their formation in 1972, they have given over 3,500 concerts worldwide, released more than 70 recordings and championed both core quartet repertoire and contemporary works. Their complete Shostakovich cycle at Kings Place became one of the most celebrated chamber music achievements of the decade, earning them a distinguished place as Artistic Associates of the venue.
Sir Willard White brings his unmistakable artistry and near-legendary stage presence to the programme. Born in Jamaica and trained in New York, he has sung at the world’s greatest opera houses and festivals, from Covent Garden to the Metropolitan Opera, and from Glyndebourne to Salzburg. Known for roles such as Porgy, Golaud, Othello and Bluebeard, he is admired equally for his concert work, his interpretive breadth and his vivid storytelling. Knighted in 2004 and honoured internationally for his contribution to music, he remains one of Britain’s most beloved classical performers.
Together, the Brodsky Quartet and Sir Willard White offer a rare opportunity to hear two musical forces — chamber music innovators and a world-famous operatic bass — in a programme that moves seamlessly from classical depth to Broadway warmth. Memory Unwrapped is both a celebration of musical history and a tribute to the enduring creative partnerships that define great performance.
This event lasts approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, including an interval.
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