Malvern Concert Club: The Brodsky Quartet with Laura van der Heijden

Since forming in 1972, the Brodsky Quartet have performed over 3,000 concerts on the major stages of the world and have released more than 70 recordings. They took their name from the great Russian violinist Adolf Brodsky. Now celebrating their 50th anniversary, they enjoy a busy international performing schedule, and have extensively toured the major festivals and venues throughout Australasia, North and South America, Asia, South Africa and Europe, as well as in the UK, where the quartet is based. Their prominent presence on the international chamber music scene has been ensured by their never-ending energy and craftsmanship which has also attracted numerous awards and accolades worldwide.

The Brodsky Quartet have always had a busy recording career and currently enjoy an exclusive and fruitful relationship with Chandos Records. Releases on the label include ‘Petits Fours’ – a celebratory album of ‘Encore’ pieces arranged exclusively by the quartet for their 40th anniversary – the complete quartets of Shostakovich recorded live, the Elgar String Quartet and Piano Quintet with Martin Roscoe, and ‘Rocking Horse Road’, a celebration of their long-standing collaboration with Jacqui Dankworth. Their album of the Late String Quartets of Beethoven was released to coincide with their performance of the repertoire at Kings Place.

Recently signed to Chandos Records with her first album ‘Pohádka’ released in March 2022, Laura van der Heijden has emerged as one of the leading cellists of her generation, captivating audiences and critics alike with her deeply perceptive interpretations and engaging stage presence. A graduate of St John’s College, Cambridge, she plays a late 17th-century cello by Francesco Ruggieri of Cremona, on generous loan from a private collection.

• Bach Sonata for solo violin in C, BWV 1005 (arr. Paul Cassidy)
• Shostakovich String Quartet No.8 in C minor, Op.110
• Schubert String Quintet in C, D956

Krysia Osostowicz Violin,
Ian Belton Violin
Paul Cassidy Viola
Jacqueline Thomas Cello

with Laura van der Heijden Cello