Sara Bitlloch violin
Donald Grant violin
Martin Saving viola
Marie Bitlloch cello
The Elias String Quartet take their name from Mendelssohn's oratorio, Elijah, of which Elias is in its German form, and have quickly established themselves as one of the most intense and vibrant quartets of their generation. The quartet have been chosen to participate in BBC Radio 3's prestigious New Generation Artists’ scheme and are the recipients of a 2010 Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award. In 2011 they had their debut at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, a week long tour in Europe with pianist Jonathan Biss, appearances at The Sage Newcastle, Bridgewater Hall Manchester and the City of London, Cheltenham and East Neuk Festivals. Future projects include a US tour including their Carnegie Hall debut, returning to Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, and participating in Jonathan Biss's Schumann project. With the support of the Borletti-Buitoni Trust, the Elias Quartet are embarking on their Beethoven project, learning and performing all Beethoven string quartets, with cycles starting in 2012/13 in various venues including Southampton, Bristol, Brighton, Tonbridge, London, and documenting their journey on a dedicated website, www.thebeethovenproject.com
Photograph taken by Benjamin Ealovega
BBT Project: The Beethoven Project website dedicated to preparations for a complete cycle of Beethoven String Quartets from 2011-2015 www.thebeethovenproject.com
"It’s a very interesting package; not just a cheap marketing shot, but a real attempt to demystify the whole business of string quartets, the almost mythical status of Beethoven, and to draw listeners into the process of learning, collaboration and assembling this mighty series of non-stop masterpieces."
Michael Tumelty, The Herald 18 April 2011
"A wonderful and wonderfully ambitious project has just been launched by the young Elias Quartet, a truly in-depth approach to the complete Beethoven quartets…It’s a splendid venture, generously sponsored by the Borletti-Buitoni Trust, a great supporter of classical music to whom we’re all indebted."
James Jolly, Gramophone June 2011
"The young and very gifted Elias String Quartet are getting ready for the big one – Beethoven, the complete string quartets. But how does a young group get the word out in a market that is half competitive, half indifferent and when so many other brands are far better known? Start with a website…get a few heavyweights to blog on it, kicking off with the Lindsay Quartet’s Peter Cropper. Keep the thing refreshed with new features. Shoot a short film. Build an audience online. Look and learn. That’s how. I like these guys. They’re thinking creative."
Norman Lebrecht, Arts Journal 1 April 2011
- Production of The Beethoven Project website
- Project support for forthcoming Beethoven String Quartet Cycle
- Production of publicity material
- Survival money
Follow on Facebook
CONFIDENCE Being with the BBT gives us the opportunity and support to realise our most ambitious dreams. With their fantastic team to nurture and guide us we now have the confidence to take these projects further. The financial support of the award allows us only to worry about the music... surely every musician’s fantasy.