Chamber Music Weekend Information

One of the most acclaimed British string quartets, the Heath String Quartet has built a strong reputation for its dynamic and committed performances. 

Established at the Royal Northern College of Music, they were subsequently selected for representation by YCAT in 2008 and, in 2013, became the first ensemble in fifteen years to win the prestigious RPS Young Artists Award. In 2016 they won the Gramophone Chamber Award for their recording of the complete Tippett quartets and were featured performing the composer’s Second quartet in the BBC programme ‘Classic Quartets’ at the BBC. 

Notable highlights include a two-season residency at Berlin’s Pierre Boulez Saal, their Barcelona debut in Palau de la Musica Catalana, a Beethoven series at Bath Festival, debuts at Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Saffron Hall and Cheltenham Festival, as well as concerts at Handelsbeurs Ghent, Aldeburgh, and Norfolk & Norwich festivals. 

Recent seasons have included a tour of the USA, a live broadcast with Steven Osborne for the BBC Proms and an appearance on BBC Radio 4’s ‘How to Play’; a highly-acclaimed programme exploring Schubert’s Death and the Maiden. The quartet continued its long association with Wigmore Hall with a four-concert series and gave the inaugural concert at the newly renovated Brighton Dome Corn Exchange. They also performed at The British Library and were faculty members at the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme. The quartet enjoyed collaborations with, amongst others, Anastasia Kobekina, Robert Plane, Tom Poster, Matthias Schorn, Alice Neary, Hélène Clement and the Elias String Quartet 

The Heath Quartet are staff members at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and in 2025 became String Quartet in Residence at Middlesex University. 

• Dates: July 10th – 12th 2026
• Course Length: Friday (3pm) – Sunday (4pm)
• Cost: £550
• Location: Leiston Abbey, IP16 4TD
• Entry Requirements: Suggested standard around Grade 5+, please let us know if you have questions about the recommended standard.
• Age Range: Adults (19+)

The Brook Street Band (“ensemble so pin-sharp it merits a safety warning” – BBC Music Magazine) is named after the London Street where Handel lived from 1723-59. Formed by baroque cellist Tatty Theo, it rapidly established itself amongst the UK’s leading Handel specialists, winning grants, awards, and broadcasting opportunities. BSB enjoys an unusually stable core-membership, its players working together for over twenty years; this has enabled it to develop a performing, music-making style that is precise and spontaneous, musicians able to react instinctively to each other and play as one. Petworth Festival commented, “There’s something that’s really warm, effortless and relaxed about a Brook Street show. The musicians clearly enjoy each other’s work, as of course do we, the audience! Lovely programming, great musicianship…”

Eighteenth-century chamber repertoire has always been BSB’s driving passion, focusing particularly on Handel’s music, and it has built up a considerable reputation for its innovative performances, zingy communication style and sense of fun. BSB also relishes exploring new repertoire for period instruments, with music written for BSB by composers including Errollyn Wallen and Nitin Sawhney.

BSB performs and teaches throughout the UK/Europe, and has established love:Handel, its own critically acclaimed music festival. It regularly broadcasts for Radio 3 and Classic FM and its extensive discography has been singled out for high acclaim, accolades including Gramophone Magazine Editor’s Choice, and BBC Music Magazine’s 2023 Opera Award.

• Dates: September 4th – 6th 2026
• Course Length: Friday (3pm) – Sunday (4pm)
• Cost: £550
• Location: Leiston Abbey, IP16 4TD
• Entry Requirements: Suggested standard around Grade 5+, please let us know if you have questions about the recommended standard.
• Age Range: Adults (19+)