
Castalian String Quartet
The Castalian String Quartet is known for its ‘powerful individuality of sound’ (The Scotsman) and the ‘perfection’ (The Observer) of its performances. The quartet’s recital features two masterpieces of the chamber repertoire, alongside a world premiere.
Leoš Janáček’s The Kreutzer Sonata is an impassioned musical reflection on Leo Tolstoy’s short story about an ill-fated love triangle. The world premiere of leading British composer Mark-Anthony Turnage’s Awake, co-commissioned by the quartet, promises to be equally potent.
Poet T. S. Eliot described Ludwig van Beethoven's late works as ‘heavenly’. Op 130 – the third of five quartets the composer wrote in the last two years of his life – is one of his most extraordinary achievements. Highlights include a beautiful cavatina, which Beethoven said he composed ‘in the tears of melancholy’. The piece’s finale (the Grosse Fuge) continues to astonish listeners with its musical athleticism.
genius in works and performance
Supported by Susie Thomson
Castalian String Quartet
Janáček String Quartet No 1 ‘Kreutzer Sonata’
Mark-Anthony Turnage Awake (World Premiere)
Beethoven String Quartet No 13 in B flat Op 130 with Grosse Fuge Op 133
Awake was co-commissioned for the Castalian String Quartet by the Borletti-Buitoni Trust and Cosman Keller Art and Music Trust.
Booking guidance
Ticket prices are inclusive of fees. In line with our commitment to environmental sustainability, we would encourage you to opt for electronic tickets, however, if you choose to receive your tickets by post, a £2 charge will be applied.
Ticket prices and concessions
Ticket prices may vary from previously published prices.
Low income benefit recipients, students, under 26s, arts workers, D/deaf and disabled people are entitled to a 30% concession discount. Under 18s get 50% off tickets. All concessions are subject to availability. Proof of eligibility may be requested at venues.
Your safety
The Festival will follow Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council health and safety recommendations at all times to ensure the safety of our audiences, artists and team. Please continue to check our Visit Us page for the latest COVID-19 safety measures at the International Festival.
Ticket exchanges & refunds
No refunds will be given except in the event of cancellation of a performance. Tickets may be exchanged up to 48 hours before a performance to another performance of the same show, subject to availability. A £1.50 fee per ticket exchanged will be charged. Ticket prices may vary from previously purchased prices.
We have partnered with Secure My Booking to offer optional ticket protection for all Edinburgh International Festival events. Our ticket protection allows you to recoup 100% of the paid ticket price (including any fees) if you are unable to attend your event for any number of covered reasons, including illness, travel delays, adverse weather conditions and more. For more information, please visit securemybooking.com.