No strings attached – save the quartet

RECENTLY I attended a recital of three of Beethoven’s string quartets by the Vanbrugh String Quartet at the Aula Maxima in UCC.

To my untutored musical ear, this was an incredible experience and the realisation that it was provided by four Cork-based musicians made it all the more rewarding.

It seems the Vanbrugh quartet are still awaiting renewal of their contract from RTÉ and it would be a tragedy for them, and for the musical life of Cork city, if this were not to happen.

It would be unforgivable for a city the size of Cork, with a long and proud musical tradition, to lose the services of such a supremely gifted and committed group of musicians who have done so much to enrich the musical life of the city and county.

It is to be hoped that at a time when even the mention of the sum of €1 billion no longer creates headlines, the relatively paltry sum required can be found to keep the Vanbrugh String Quartet with us here in Cork and so continue to amaze and entertain us for many years to come.

Tadhg Nash

The Mara

Ovens

Co Cork