String quartet leader steps down
OrchestrasThe violinist Mandhira de Saram has left the Ligeti Quartet that she founded 12 years ago.
She is replaced by Freya Goldmark.
They say: ‘Freya has been working with us over the past year including on one of our UK tours and performed with us during our first performance at Aldeburgh Festival last year. We were blown out of the water by her refined playing, ideas, and dedication to chamber music – she is a natural fit in the ensemble and we look forward to our musical adventures together.’
The centenary of György Ligeti’s birth is coming up next May.
I’m from the same area as Freya and even as a teenager she stood out as not only being a wonderful violinist but someone who was passionate and driven to bring music to as many people as possible (see for example Stamford International Music Festival, founded and organised by her in her home town). Delighted to see this exciting next step in her already impressive career.
Why string quartet “leader,” and not “first violin?” Aren’t the roles in a string quartet democratic?