Sir Michael Morpurgo and the Brodsky Quartet join forces in Chagford
One of the UK’s most loved writers and one of the world’s greatest string quartets come together in Chagford on Sunday, 6th December to present a performance of Vivaldi’s iconic ‘Four Seasons’ alongside readings inspired by the beauty of the natural world.
The writer Sir Michael Morpurgo is best known for his children’s novels including the worldwide phenomenon, ‘War Horse’, which has been adapted into a renowned stage play as well as a film directed by Stephen Spielberg. Sir Michael has written over 150 books, served as Children’s Laureate, and earned a knighthood for services to literature and charity.
Throughout his life, he has maintained a deep affinity with nature. Fifty years ago, he and his wife Clare founded the charity ‘Farms for City Children’, enabling generations of nature-deprived kids to spend time in nature and experience a sense of belonging to a wider world. His passion and status as a national treasure make him the perfect narrator in this special concert.
Over the decades, the Brodsky Quartet have performed over 3,500 concerts on the major stages of the world and released more than 70 recordings. The Guardian says: “The Brodsky’s ability to communicate on so many levels…their humanity and virtuosity…all part of the essential integrity of their approach.” The prestigious classical music magazine, ‘The Strad’ wrote: “The players gave unstintingly of their passion and energies, playing with a spirit so transformational you felt they were actually improving the world.”
A string quartet consists of four players: two violinists, a viola player, and a cellist. The appeal of the form is rooted in the intimacy of the players’ communication with each other, listening, breathing, and playing together as one body. In this Chagford concert, double-bass player Michael Allnatt will join the Quartet, further enhancing the richness of the sound.
Antonio Vivaldi composed the ‘Four Seasons’ around 1720, exploring each of the four seasons of the year in music. To experience a performance by an intimate ensemble is a revelation, the melodic lines becoming crystal clear.
Krysia Osostowicz - the first violinist of the Brodsky - said: “It’s such a pleasure to be playing alongside Michael Morpurgo, and after the success at the Hay-on-Wye Festival and elsewhere, we are really looking forward to coming to Chagford.”
St Michael the Archangel Church in Chagford is becoming well-known for the high quality of its musical performances, and this is their most ambitious concert to date, bringing two titans of the literary and musical world together. It is made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Chagford’s Three Crowns Hotel as well as private individuals.
The afternoon concert will be followed by mince pies, tea, and book-signing in Endecott House, a historic 16th-century building adjacent to the church.
Event details - Michael Morpurgo and the Brodsky Quartet
Church of St Michael the Archangel, Chagford, Devon
Sunday, 6th December, 2.30pm.
Tickets: Adults £20 | Under 16s £5, from Sally’s Newsagents, Chagford, or