This original program proves that lesser-known composers can bring surprises. Spohr’s concerto is on the cusp of the Classical and Romantic periods, as is Fanny Mendelssohn’s quartet. Maddalena Sirmen, a Venetian student of Baroque composer Giuseppe Tartini, wrote her quartets when Haydn began to establish the form. Pleyel studied under Haydn and later became his amicable competitor in London.

Specialist in Baroque violin Amandine Beyer is a curious and inventive musician. The French musician and her founded Kitgut Quartet are joining forces with the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century for this String Quartet Biennale, seeking the truth behind the notes through historically informed performance practice.