String playing at Farleigh is a very exciting adventure – not only do the children perform at regular Farleigh concerts, they also have the chance to get out and about, playing at the various orchestra and specialist string days they attend outside Farleigh. 

When the opportunity of spending an afternoon under the expert direction of The Tippett Quartet came up it was definitely one not to be missed. Last Thursday, 28 of Farleigh’s lucky violinists and ‘cellists gathered together in the Music School to meet this talented group of musicians who were to run an afternoon workshop before performing in an evening concert as part of the Farleigh Professional Concert Series.

With a rare combination of musical talent, patience and professionalism, the members of the quartet gently guided the children through a cleverly written piece of music, The Little ‘Uns by Rupert Gillett, they were to perform together in the evening concert, using sectional and full rehearsals. Their approach was kind and careful throughout the afternoon, inspiring confidence and awe! A question and answer session provoked some unusual queries about string playing, including one asking what to do if you get the hiccups whilst playing! Answer – just carry on and they will go away!

The Recital Hall was busy for the evening concert, a spellbinding performance of an impressive repertoire of music by Imogen Holst, Antonin Borodin and Maurice Ravel, masterfully executed, making it clear that The Tippett Quartet lives up to its outstanding reputation. Farleigh string players and staff count themselves lucky to have spent a precious afternoon in the company of this exceptional foursome.

Many thanks go to Mr Reeves for inviting the quartet to Farleigh, to the children for rising to the musical challenge with big smiles on their faces, and especially to the Tippett Quartet for providing us with an afternoon and evening of such exceptionally high quality.

Teresa Henderson