New Works and New Collaborations - introducing the Villiers Quartet

By Julia Hudson 

At a recent rehearsal, I was approached by someone with an expression of bafflement asking why appearances suggested our principal cello was still at Music College. An understandable (and rather flattering!) question, they were in fact referring to the fresh-faced Nick Stringfellow, cellist with Southern Sinfonia for eight years and counting. This week, we are so pleased to announce his Quartet, one of the most exciting groups on the classical music scene, as Quartet in Association.

Named after Villiers Street in London's energetic and colourful musical epicentre, the Quartet is completed by James Dickenson (violin), Tamaki Higashi (violin) and Carmen Flores (viola). This week, we cornered Nick and asked him a few questions about the collaboration and what the Quartet is all about.

What defines the Villiers Quartet?

Nothing is outside of the Villiers Quartet's repertoire as they define the string quartet for the 21st century. Dedicated to the established works of Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and Brahms, they have also developed a reputation as exceptional interpreters of English composers including Elgar, Britten, Delius, and Thomas Adès. Having toured across the UK and internationally, they have been declared "one of the best young quartets around today" (Jerry Horner), and their performances of Shostakovich and Tischenko have been hailed as "masterful playing" (Classical Source).

Why is this a great collaboration?

This is a fantastic collaboration. Southern Sinfonia and the Villiers Quartet are both very innovative organisations. Trailblazing with competitions like "VQ New Works" and "Newbury Older Musician of the Year", both are at the forefront of modern live performance, embracing new media and constantly searching for new ways of presenting their concerts.  With incomparable performances and exciting programming they are making waves within musical life. Bringing Southern Sinfonia and Villiers Quartet together will make for an amazing musical collision.....I can't wait!

You've played with Southern Sinfonia for eight years. How is playing in a chamber orchestra and a quartet different, and which do you prefer?

Southern Sinfonia is different to many other orchestras in that it feels like a large chamber ensemble. There is such great communication between the players, which allows the music making to be very spontaneous. For this reason there are actually many similarities. However, string quartet playing is like nothing else. There is such discipline and concentration required and it is often a cerebral experience. There are great demands on the players to be constantly listening and assessing balance and varying colour and articulation.  As for which do I prefer?.....................you'd have to get me very drunk to divulge that information!

What do you have coming up that you're particularly looking forward to?

We are about to start the selection process for our VQ New Works Competition and have received entries from all across the world. The task for composers is to write a piece for string quartet. After an initial selection process, footage of the final six pieces recorded by us will be posted online. Then for up to a month afterwards voters can log on to our site and vote for their favourite piece. The grand final held at Kings Place, London on 21st September will showcase the final three and a winner will be chosen by an audience vote, which will also include the online audience watching our live stream. Our recording of last year's winning piece, "Sanctus" by Riho Maimets, will be released in the lead up to the competition.

Do you have any particular memories of playing for Southern Sinfonia you would like to share?

Working together on Carl Rutti's Requiem was a wonderful experience. We gave the world premiere in Winchester Cathedral with David Hill conducting and all felt that we were part of something really special. With all the great choral works there must have been a point at which they take flight, and we felt privileged to contribute to this musical milestone. Later in the season we made the premiere recording at St John's, Smith Square.

Thank you, Nick, for talking to us – we will endeavour to prise that answer out of you sometime soon! We are so pleased to welcome the Villiers Quartet into the Southern Sinfonia family; make sure to stay updated on their performances with us next season. You can also visit their website www.villiersquartet.com, follow them on Twitter @villiersquartet and make sure to follow the VQ New Works Competition as it progresses with the deadline for entries on Monday.

The Rutti Requiem is available to purchase from our store, click here to purchase and browse though the range of items also available. 

You can also get in touch with Southern Sinfonia through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To find out more about the orchestra please visit our website.