Considered one of the leading string quartets of its generation, the Amaryllis won prizes at three of the chamber world’s most prestigious competitions in 2011, and has been widely celebrated in Germany and beyond for its fresh, intelligent interpretations.

The four players conclude with Beethoven’s Op 127 String Quartet, the first of the composer’s so-called ‘late quartets’ which push the form in profoundly spiritual directions, a tender, lyrical piece that achieves a sense of profound calm.

They open with one of the quartets with which Haydn effectively established the genre: the magical ‘Bird’ Quartet incorporates birdsong-like melody throughout its four bright movements. In between comes the sole String Quartet by Lutosławski, a colourful, dynamic work that leaves key elements up to the whims of the players.

This concert will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3