Craig Ogden replaces Rory Russell
“It is with great sadness that I have made the decision to step back from performing with the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet. Being asked to join the quartet, back in 2006, was a huge sense of pride for me and my career with them the greatest of adventures. They are my closest friends and sharing the stage with them has been an honour. I am so proud of our 5 records with Chandos and of our many concerts and collaborations. I am delighted that Craig Ogden has agreed to take my place in the quartet and I am sure that his joining will mark the beginning of a new period of success for the group. The quartet is a remarkable ensemble and I will look forward to watching what the future has in store for it. I would like to thank Mike, Vasilis and James for 17 years of friendship and music making and I wish them all the very best for the future.”
Rory Russell
We want to take this opportunity to thank Rory for his immense contribution to the quartet and friendship over the past 16+ years. He has been an integral part of the quartet’s success through his unwavering dedication and musical artistry. We have been on an amazing journey together and we will truly miss him in our future endeavours.
Whilst we are very saddened that Rory will be stepping back from the group, we are absolutely thrilled and humbled to be welcoming Craig into the quartet as our newest member. He has always taken a huge interest in the group since its inception and he has actively championed us throughout our careers, so to have him playing alongside us now is a huge privilege and honour.We all know Craig will fit in with ease. As well as being a world-renowned soloist, he truly is an exceptional chamber musician and we can’t wait to see what direction we go with the group now and what new adventures our future holds.
“I have always been a huge fan of the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet and admired their many achievements over the years. Although sorry to see Rory leave, I am delighted to be joining this world class ensemble and look forward to recording and performing live with them in the future.”
Craig Ogden
Aquarelle GQ and Clarice Assad
A Mi Pueblo is a beautifully haunting piece of music written by the Paraguayan harpist Ismael Ledesma. This arrangement for guitar quartet and voice is by quartet member, Mike Baker.
New collaboration with Clarice Assad!
We have known Clarice Assad for many years, having discovered a striking musical affinity from early on in our friendship. In 2009 we commissioned Clarice to write a piece for our debut recording with Chandos Records, ‘Spirit of Brazil’. The outcome was a three movement work titled ‘Danças Nativas’ which earned her a Latin Grammy nomination. It has since been our intention to develop this collaboration even further. To realise this long-held ambition we have now come together as performers to present a truly eclectic programme of genre-defying music full of rhythm, energy, humour and emotion.
Chandos CD ‘Aspects’ promotional videos
Some great reviews for our recent CD, have a quick listen to some of the music at the promo videos below.
‘Their range of expression, beauty of phrasing, and pure virtuosity are a pure delight.’
American Record Guide, Kenneth Keaton
‘That same customary blend of high-octane virtuosity, relaxed lyricism, tonal richness and perfection of ensemble.’
Gramophone Magazine, William Yeaoman
‘Aspects’, CD release
Available to download now from here. For those of you that like a physical copy of the CD, the disc will be on general release from 28th October.
Elegy by John Brunning
Elegy will feature on our forthcoming CD ‘Aspects’. Performed here backstage at the Royal Albert Hall before Classic FM Live.
https://www.facebook.com/ClassicFM/videos/10154649786179260/
De Usuahia a la Quiaca by Gustavo Santaolalla (from Motorcycle Diaries)
Filmed backstage at the Royal Albert Hall before Classic FM Live.
https://www.facebook.com/ClassicFM/videos/10154641800194260/
Royal Albert Hall – Classic FM Live!
We are immensely excited to be performing at the Royal Albert Hall in London (20th September, 19:30) as part of the Classic FM Live concert. What a treat to be playing Joaquin Rordigo’s Concierto Andaluz for four guitars and orchestra with the renowned Academy of St. Martin in the Fields who recorded this same concerto in 1979 with the legendary Romero Guitar Quartet. The line up for the evening also includes Maxim Vengerov, Wayne Marshall and Laura Wright.
De Usuahia a la Quiaca from ‘Motorcycle Diaries’
One of our favourite pieces performed last year at the XVIth International Gliwice Guitar Festival in Poland
Grand Solo by F.Sor for 4 guitars arr. by Sergio Assad
One of the staples of solo guitar’s 19th century repertoire arranged by Sergio Assad.
Fernando Sor’s ‘Grand Solo’ for guitar quartet!