Quartet Concrète
“[Quartet Concrète] have earned international acclaim for their “exquisite interpretation” and “natural chemistry”. ”
About
Quartet Concrète is a London-based string quartet recognised for its "exquisite interpretations," natural chemistry, and well-blended sound. Formed at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2021, the ensemble has rapidly established itself as a leading young quartet, winning the 2023 St James’ Chamber Music Competition and performing at major European venues including the Barbican, St James' Piccadilly, and Cité Musicale Metz.
The quartet’s technical development has been shaped by some of the world’s most distinguished chamber musicians. They were selected for the Hans Keller Chamber Forum (Chamber Studio) for the 2023/24 season and have held residencies at the Lake District Music Summer Festival, where they performed alongside the Alkyona Quartet and Trio Shaham Erez Wallfisch. Their mentorship credits include intensive coaching from the Brodsky, Heath, and Heath Quartets, as well as masterclasses with András Keller, Robert Levin, and David Waterman.
Beyond the concert hall, the quartet are committed educators, working with GYA King’s Cross and the GSMD Summer Courses. Their versatility is further evidenced by their prolific recording work, where they provide bespoke string arrangements for various commercial and session projects.
Projects
Interdisciplinary & Theatrical Collaborations
Quartet Concrète is a specialist in cross-genre partnerships, most notably through their ongoing collaboration with Ballet Nights, where they integrate classical and contemporary string quartet repertoire with live dance. In 2025, the ensemble achieved critical acclaim for their performance in Tama Matheson’s play Beethoven: I Shall Hear in Heaven at Opera Holland Park, under the musical direction of Jayson Gillham. Their "exquisite" performance of Beethoven's chamber works in this theatrical context established them as a premiere choice for high-concept, multidisciplinary productions.
Contemporary Music & New Commissions
The quartet is a dedicated champion of contemporary works and young composers. As participants in Quatour Diotima’s “L’Académie Diotima,” they have premiered works by Arnau Gran i Romero and performed technically demanding repertoire by Donnacha Dennehy. Their leadership in this field has led to significant international engagements, including a scheduled performance at the Opéra national du Rhin in April 2026.
Bespoke Arrangements & Recital Programmes
At the core of the quartet’s output is a commitment to expanding the string quartet repertoire through internal arrangements. Violist Dominic Stokes creates bespoke transcriptions of works not traditionally written for the medium—such as Bach’s Komm, süßer Tod, komm selge Ruh and Paul Mealor’s Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal—which the ensemble toured across the UK in 2025. These curated programs allow the quartet to deliver unique, innovative recitals that bridge the gap between early music, choral traditions, and modern string performance.
News
