Publicity
Biography
Praised for their “immaculate precision and spirit” (The Strad) and “cultured tone” (Arts Desk), the Solem Quartet has established itself as one of the most innovative and adventurous quartets of its generation. A 2020 awardee of the Jerwood Arts Live Work Fund, one of 33 artists selected from more than 1200 applicants, the Solem Quartet takes its place amongst some of the UK’s brightest artistic voices, with award recipients spread across practices including music, theatre, opera, circus, dance, live art and performance. read more…
If you would like to download our biography or publicity image(s), please get in touch at [email protected]
You may also like to read articles about us in The Strad
Programmes & Planning
Industry
Music which evokes energy, toil and labour, but which also tells of community; the beating heart of industrial heartlands. Bringing together music for string quartet with archive recorded sound – and spotlighting the work of composer William Marsey – this concert from the Solem Quartet documents and celebrates the rich history of industry in the UK.
Stringsongs
In 2026 the Solem Quartet continue to champion contemporary music performing new work by leading British composers, while also celebrating American music past and present as the US marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. Music by Dvořák, Korngold, Meredith Monk, Ryan Latimer.
Reich/Zawadzki/Bush
Themes of memory and personal development are explored in this collaborative concert. The Solem Quartet perform Steve Reich’s iconic Different Trains, and Zawadzki joins them for a set of her own songs which speak to her own story, in a style that is uniquely modern. Offering dialogue to Alice’s compositions, songs by the visionary Kate Bush arranged by William Newell complete the night.
Towards Silence
Music which asks us to contemplate, or perhaps mourn Earth’s current condition, but also reminds us of its natural aural beauty. Featuring a wide selection of music from Hildegard von Bingen to John Metcalf and Max Richter.
Painted Light our latest CD released with Delphian, October 2023
Henriëtte Bosmans: String Quartet
Lili Boulanger, arr. William Newell: Nocturne
Edmund Finnis: String Quartet no. 3, Devotions
Joni Mitchell, arr. W. Newell: Both Sides Now
Camden Reeves: Quartet no. 5, Blue Windows
Ayanna Witter-Johnson: Earth
“Solem Quartet’s playing is sensitive, wonderfully blended, incisive where needed, but above all powerfully communicative”
Europa disc review
Discover more, including further reviews:
Delphian Records, DCD34308
The Four Quarters released with Orchid Classics, September 2021
“immaculate precision and spirit”
David Kettle, The Strad review
“a collagist album of constant compulsion”
4.5 stars, Frontrunners for New Talent 2021, Norman Lebrecht, The Critic review
“beautifully executed”
4 stars, Rebecca Franks, Limelight Magazine review
Videos
Quartet no. 15, op. 132 i. Assai sostenuto – Allegro, Beethoven
‘Days’ from The Four Quarters, Thomas Adès
And Dream of Sheep, Kate Bush arr. William Newell
Discover more about the disc
Listen to The Four Quarters in full
Gramophone online feature
Recent projects
Beethoven Bartók Now
Beethoven Bartók Now brings together the late quartets of Beethoven and the quartets of Béla Bartók uniquely reimagined with music from composers of today.
Watch our live performance of BBN: Night Music, featuring Beethoven’s op. 130, Bartók’s Quartet no. 5, and a new work, tuóretu, from British composer Aaron Parker.
Live recording from Wimbledon International Music Festival 2020
Watch more videos here.
Further press quotes
“…especially when played with as much cultured tone as the Solems gave [the slow movement of Haydn’s E flat Quartet, Op. 76 No. 6]”
The Arts Desk, David Nice
“brilliant and intense young group of musicians”
Judith Weir blog
On our collaboration with Alice Zawadzki:
“five musicians alchemically becoming one totally responsive instrument.”
UK Jazz News, Sebastian Scotney
“the synergy between Solem and Zawadzki throughout this concert felt natural, organic, compelling and convincing”
The Strad, Pwyll ap Siôn
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