Origin UK | Genre Classical | |
Genres Classical, string quartet Associated acts Olive Zorian, Winifred Copperwheat Similar John Amis, Michael Tippett, Peter Pears, Amadeus Quartet |
Purcell fantasia upon one note zorian quartet with britten 1946
The Zorian Quartet was an English all-female string quartet ensemble. It was founded in 1942 by and named after violinist Olive Zorian. It gave the premiere performances of, and made the first recordings of, several compositions for string quartet by English composers, including Benjamin Britten and Michael Tippett. It also gave the premiere English performances of quartets by Ernest Bloch and Béla Bartók.
Contents
- Purcell fantasia upon one note zorian quartet with britten 1946
- Notable performances and recordings
- Songs
- References
The original members were Olive Zorian (1916–65, violin I); Marjorie Lavers (violin II); Winifred Copperwheat (1905–76, viola); and Norina Semino (cello).
Some sources say that the quartet disbanded in 1949. Other sources say that it continued to perform for at least another ten years. The later date is supported by evidence that the violinist Frances Mason and the cellist Eleanor Warren were members of the Zorian Quartet in the 1950s.
Notable performances and recordings
Songs
String Quartet No 2: III Presto2012
Concerto for Double String Orchestra: III Allegro molto2012
Concerto for Double String Orchestra: II Adagio cantabile2012