Schubertiade

The Alma Quartet consists of four string players from the Concertgebouw Orchestra. They enjoy discovering unknown repertoire, and they perform with famous DJs. The vinyl records and CDs they release are warmly received by audiences and critics. For this 4th of May concert, they have invited young cellist Ella van Poucke to delve with them into one of the most famous classical masterpieces, Schubert’s String Quintet, which he wrote towards the end of his life.

Michael Gieler, artistic director of IJ-Salon: ‘What music is appropriate for a day like 4 May [Memorial Day])? Many pieces are suitable for contemplation or have death as their theme. But none of those pieces can match Franz Schubert’s last work of chamber music. The expansive Adagio is perhaps the most beautiful and mournful work ever written. That’s why it needs to be performed here today.’