The Mavron String Quartet
Formed in 2002, the Mavron Quartet continues to enjoy a busy schedule. Following
their success in the inaugural Cavatina Chamber Music Competition at the Royal
Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2003, the quartet was appointed Junior
Fellows in chamber music at the college in 2004. Later that year, the ensemble
successfully auditioned for Yeheudi Menuhin’s Live Music Now! Scheme.
In autumn 2006, the quartet was delighted to receive a financial award from
the Musicians Benevolent Fund to support their development. In 2007, the Mavron
Quartet received an award from the Arts Council of Wales to commission Charlie
Barber to compose a new work for dance and string quartet with choreographer
Jean Abru. A tour is planned for 2009.
The quartet has performed extensively both in and out of Wales. Since autumn
2005 the Mavron Quartet has been ensemble in residence at The Gate Arts Centre,
Cardiff for whom the quartet presents regular recitals. In 2007 the quartet
was in residence for the first British hosting of 7th European Harp Symposium:
Arpa Viva, held in the Wales Millennium Centre. In 2006 the quartet performed
with harpist Elinor Bennett at Lampeter Music Club for the Welsh composer John
Metcalf 60th birthday concert. The quartet also appear frequently at the private
residence of the American Ambassador to the UK, Windsor Castle and Lancaster
House with guests such HM the Queen, PM Gordon Brown and various members of
the royal family. Venturing further afield, in 2007 the quartet was invited
to Romania for the Tiberius Chamber Music Festival to give a series of recitals
- this project was supported by Wales Arts International. In autumn 2005, the
quartet was asked to perform in Brussels at the Klara Music Festival and in
2003, at the invitation of Lady Suzanna Walton; the quartet gave a series of
recitals in Ischia, Italy.
The quartet enjoys a close affiliation with Ty Cerdd recording studio, Wales
Millennium Centre. Session and recording projects include an appearance in
2007 on S4C’s ‘Bandit’ performing with welsh band Sibrydion.
In autumn 2006 the quartet performed with Katherine Jenkins for the launch
of her new CD Serenade at the Riverfront Centre in Newport, a performance that
was recorded for BBC Wales. The quartet has worked with record producers including
Paul Muggleton and Charlie Francis, for bands such as Poney Express’ 2007
debut album; Alex Parks’ 2004 album Honesty and for Judie Tzuke’s
2004 album End of The Beginning.
The quartet is currently undertaking educational and outreach work for both
the Cavatina Chamber Music Trust, Live Music Now! and various sponsors.
