RESIDENTS in Ilminster and Crewkerne are invited to join the renowned Gildas Quartet for a programme of some of the most beloved quartet repertoire, from the Classical, Romantic and Impressionist periods.

Praised for their “energy, verve and refreshing approach”, the Gildas Quartet have performed to critical acclaim at major venues including the Bridgewater Hall, Purcell Room, Wigmore Hall and live on BBC Radio 3.

Their bold and explorative approach to performance has been recognised by the International Franz Schubert and Modern Music Competition, Graz, where they won first prize in the Audience Engagement Award 2018.

Equally passionate about new music and works from the quartet canon, they have collaborated with Sir Harrison Birtwistle, Colin Matthews and Michael Finnissy, and commissioned Philip Cashian’s String Quartet No. 2, which was given its premiere by the Quartet at the St Magnus Festival in Orkney.

The quartet’s recording of two works by Cheryl Frances-Hoad has recently been released to critical acclaim on the Champs Hill label.

The Quartet has given recitals at international festivals such as Cheltenham, Two Moors, Oxford Lieder and Kings Lynn, as well as touring in Europe, China and South Africa.

They are City Music Foundation Artists and Associate Ensemble at the Birmingham Conservatoire.

They have frequently been featured by the Park Lane Group and are grateful for awards and support from the Arts Council, Britten Pears Foundation, Tunnell, and Richard Carne Trusts.

The concert at Ilminster Arts Centre, on Friday, April 19, and the concert at the Dance House in Crewkerne, on Saturday, April 20, will start at 7.30pm Doors open 6.45pm. Tickets can be purchased online at www.concertsinthewest.org; alternatively at the IAC Office: 01460 54973, or you can buy on the door (card only).

The bar will be open before the concert and during the interval for drinks. IAC & town parking & car parks.

For tickets to the concert in Crewkerne you can call 01460 75928.

Concerts in the West is a small but energetic arts charity, which organises and promotes an annual series of high quality classical and baroque concerts at regional venues in Somerset, Dorset and Devon.

The charity is run by a small group of trustees who are all very committed and hands-on, bringing their expertise to the charity.