Musica Viva: Skride Piano Quartet at Melbourne Recital Centre

A new classical supergroup of four leading European soloists, the Skride Piano Quartet is sweeping through the northern hemisphere like a breath of fresh air – and is now bringing its dazzling energy to Australia. Sisters, soloists and regular duo partners, Baiba and Lauma Skride sought out two of their favourite chamber music colleagues in Lise Berthaud and Julian Steckel.

Piano quartets are less often heard than piano trios, but the simple addition of a rich-toned viola seems to inspire composers to create music of outstanding lyricism. Together these stunning virtuosi play with an exhilarating sense of joy, mutual respect and endless invention.

Baiba Skride violin

Lise Berthaud viola

Julian Steckel cello

Lauma Skride piano

PROGRAM 1 - Melbourne weekday

MOZART Piano Quartet no 1 in G minor, K478

Graeme KOEHNE New Work* (World Premiere)

R STRAUSS Piano Quartet in C minor, op 13

PROGRAM 2 - Melbourne weekend

BEETHOVEN Piano Quartet no 1 in E-flat major, WoO 36

BRAHMS Piano Quartet no 1 in G minor, op 25

*Commissioned for Musica Viva Australia by Tom Breen and Rachael KohnAustralia by Tom Breen and Rachael Kohn