Chamber music will be striking a chord for restoration when the Victoria String Quartet perform a fundraising concert at Victoria Baths on Wednesday 20 September (6pm-8pm). Music for Restoration is the latest in a series of inspiring events helping to support the Baths in its quest for restoration.
The brand new Manchester-based Quartet is made up of four talented artists, each of whom have been members of internationally renowned ensembles including The Chilingirian Quartet, The Sorrel Quartet and Psappha Ensemble.All the Quartet’s members teach at the Royal Northern Collage of Music and give musical masterclasses acrossthe globe.
The concert will give music and heritage lovers alike the first opportunity to hear the new ensemble play together, with a programme featuring some of the most loved classical string music, all within the breathtaking Edwardian grandeur of Victoria Baths’ Gala Pool, a unique and emotive experience not to be missed.
Jennifer Langridge from the Victoria String Quartet, says “We are thrilled to be giving our inaugural performance as the Victoria String Quartet in the historic, beautiful setting of The Victoria Baths. We have known one another as friends and colleagues for many years which creates a natural bond both on and off stage and are looking forward to exploring the rich and varied string quartet repertoire together.”
Gwyneth Brock, fundraising co-ordinator at Victoria Baths, comments, “The Victoria String Quartet are an incredible musical ensemble and we’re delighted that they have so kindly agreed to play their inaugural concert in support of our fundraising towards the next stage of restoration. The acoustics in the Gala Pool are exquisite and it’s a beautiful setting for a concert, so this should be a truly enchanting experience for anyone who comes along on the night.”
All funds raised by the Music for Restoration will go towards the next phase of the plans for Manchester’s Water Palace, which will include the re-opening the stunning Turkish Baths.
Jill Earnshaw, chair of the Victoria Baths Trust, says, “Victoria Baths is thriving as a heritage venue, but to secure its future and to maximise its potential we want to see it being used as it was intended. Having done works to key parts of the exteriors and roof we are now focusing on one of the building’s key aspects, the Turkish Baths.
“To complete the work required, which includes preserving all of the original features so that people can once again enjoy an authentic Turkish Baths experience and the creation of a contemporary Health Suite, we are seeking funding from lots of different sources. We are hoping that people will show their support by attending the concert, and in doing so we know that they will enjoy an evening of wonderful music in a magical setting.”
The Victoria Baths bar will open both before and after the concert. There will also be an opportunity in advance of the concert for up to 50 concert-goers to take a free 30-minute building tour. Doors, and bar, open at 6pm.
Music for Restoration tickets are £12 and can be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/
