The Belinfante Quartet is ‘glowing with interplay and experimentation’ (NRC). This young foursome, participants in the SQBA Residency a few years ago, has broad musical interests and effortlessly spans centuries. Nine hundred years sit between Hildegard von Bingen and Mathilde Wantenaar, whose new work will be heard, written on commission for the String Quartet Biennale. Rhiannon Randle composed Baile for the Belinfantes.

Two program pieces fit together perfectly: Hildegard von Bingen’s O virtus sapientiae and the final movement, La Serenissima, from Britten’s Third String Quartet. Hildegard lived all her life in the Rhineland; Venice remained terra incognita for her. But Venice’s title of honor, ‘La Serenissima’, evokes associations with the main characteristic of Hildegard’s music: the serene. For centuries, diplomacy and justice brought peace to Venice – concepts Hildegard refers to as ‘the virtue of wisdom’. That Britten reached a deep spirituality in his very last notes, written in Venice, just like Hildegard, completes the circle.

Following the concert (approx. 3:30pm):
After Talk: How instruments clear the way

Manon Veenendaal, director of the Netherlands Musical Instrument Foundation
Olivia Scheepers, first violinist of the Belinfante Quartet

The Netherlands Musical Instrument Foundation plays a crucial role in the lives of many (young) musicians by giving them access to top-quality instruments such as a three-hundred-year-old violin, a professional grand piano, or a hand-crafted bassoon. These instruments are extremely expensive and often unaffordable for young musicians. Manon Veenendaal, director of the Netherlands Musical Instrument Foundation, will talk with Olivia Scheepers, first violinist of the Belinfante Quartet.