day eight.one

a beautiful morning here in Lichfield, and as I write Michael Symmons Roberts is giving a wonderfully intimate poetry reading (the first festival poetry reading since 2004), I can hear Robert Quinney practicing for this lunchtime's organ recital, the CBSO are rehearsing Debussy and Ravel in Birmingham in readiness for Saturday night's sold out concert, and a car has just left to meet up with Jon Lord and co for their rehearsal, also happening in Birmingham. And I've just bumped into half the Badke Quartet arriving for what will be a long and busy day, with a rehearsal then performance at St Chad's, and then a late rehearsal joining Jon Lord in readiness for tomorrow night.
For those that are after up to the minute updates as Jon Lord gets tomorrow night ready, you can sign up to his twitter feed here.

keeping up with the badkes

toward the end of last week, jon lord sent through the majority of scores and part of the Badke Quartet, who will be performing with him in Lichfield Cathedral. In passing them on to the quartet, I became aware that they are currently in France studying with the Eberhard Feltz. And then, just now, their new newsletter dropped into my inbox, so you can see what they are up to for yourself.

change to quartet lineups

just been informed that the Badke Quartet have appointed Jon Thorne as their new violist, replacing Eniko Magyar. Jon, who was in the Bronte Quartet for six years, is a wonderfully strong addition to this quartet, and I can't wait to hear this new lineup perform in Lichfield.

Speaking of lineup changes, the Australian String Quartet will be performing with guest violist Jurg Dähler from Switzerland, replacing Sally Boud who will be on maternity leave when their July concerts in the UK come around.