Veteran string quartet replaces its cellist
NewsThe Fitzwilliam String Quartet (est. 1968) has recruited Ursula Smith to take over from Heather Tuach who is, the website says, indisposed.
Smith is former principal cello of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and a member for seven years of the Zehetmair Quartet.
She presently teaches at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. The other three Fitzwilliams are Lucy Russell, Andrew Roberts and Alan George .
As they say in the quartet world, the tour must go on.
Does “indisposed” mean kicked out by the other members? Does anybody know the reason? Unrelated, didn’t another quartet based in Philadelphia just replace its violist due to multiple disputes between the first violinist and the violist? That violist is such a jewel in the classical world. Rare to have a sound like hers. Is it true that the first violinist was a bully to her?
You’re just asking questions that are searching for controversy and it’s actually not helpful to anyone. Please don’t use words like “kicked out” or “disputes” or “bully”. They are all extremely hurtful because it has no basis. Have you ever thought that what you’re saying and “fishing around” is a form of bullying? On an anonymous forum like this? Especially to someone who is genuinely a good person? Nonviolent Communication is a great book to read instead asking captious questions.
Alan George was a founder member of the Fitzwilliams so has now clocked up 55 years. Is this a record?
I remember the Fitzwilliams in Cambridge 1969.