UK quartet to work with local musicians

Due to arrive in St. Vincent on Sunday 12th February is the Highly Strung Quartet -four highly qualified music teachers and performers from the UK who will be working with violin teachers in a series of workshops and performances for schools in Kingstown, Troumaca and Georgetown.

The tour is the inspiration of Arnim John who noticed that no stringed instruments were played in a concert for Grenada hosted by the Governor-General in November 2004. {{more}} Discussions with Pat Prescod, Beryl Richards (President) and members of the Music Association revealed that violin teaching in St. Vincent was on the decline and that few music teachers have been trained to teach the instrument. The purpose of the workshops is to assist the teachers in developing their skills; and to inspire students to take up the violin by hearing professional performances. Music Officer in the Ministry of Education is assisting in planning and organisation of the workshops and school performances.

The Quartet will also be performing four concerts in the State – one for schools at the Peace Memorial Hall on 22nd February, two at Government House on 15th and 19th, and one at Basil’s Bar in Mustique on 17th.

The Quartet has played in several European cities including London, Paris and Dublin. Individually, the members of the quartet, Sarah Huson, Emma Blanco, Elizabeth (Libby) Croad and Sian Evans are also accomplished players with some of the most famous English orchestras.