“Throughout, the Quartet succeeds in bringing out the narrative and dramatic…..qualities implicit in the music through a combination of exquisite tonal and dynamic control, super-tight ensemble and unerring musical instinct. Listen to the confident sweep of rapid figures in the frenzied “Danza del terror” from El Amor Brujo and the beautiful transparent “Romance del pescador” from the same; or the beguiling sensuality of the “Habanera” and virility of “Toreadors” from Carmen Suite. There’s only one word for it: magic”

Classic FM (Feb issue 183) magazine has awarded VIDA’s new CD ‘Love, the Magician’ (BGS118) a magnificent 4 and a half stars out of 5.

” The members of VIDA conjure up an orchestral palette of colour and effects from four regular classical models. Sticking to tried-and-tested guitar transcription material, they play with technical brilliance and precise ensemble, creating alternately smoky and glittering colours in Falla’s El amor brujo that suit the gypsy heart of the music so well. They are high spirited in The Three Cornered Hat dances and their Carmen Suite arrangement is done with verve.”

Details

Recital Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire of Music
7.30pm £6 (£4)

Join Mark Ashford as Musical Director (Birmingham) for this new exciting youth guitar ensemble.  Auditions will take place on Sunday 15th November.
Click here to apply online and for more info.

VIDA Guitar Quartet were reviewed as ‘Gig of the month‘ by Acoustic Magazine (Issue 34 October) for their concert in Exeter this July. The review states …

“Vida Guitar Quartet are the internationally renowned guitarists Mark Ashford, Mark Eden, Helen Sanderson and Chris Stell. In this programme of music by Bellinati, de Falla, Bizet, Turina and Attaingnant they clearly demonstrate their musical maturity and mastery of the medium.”

“The two main works in the programme – Mark Eden’s setting of El Amor Brujo by Manuel de Falla and William Kanengiser’s of the Carmen Suite by Bizet – are brilliantly arranged with equal division of the orchestration between the 4 guitars.”

“Vida sparkled with vitality and spontaneity, weaving a rich tapestry of colour and breathtaking range of dynamics and percussive effects that held the audience spellbound. The striking harmonies and textures of the de Falla were beautifully realised and they captured the essence of the Carmen Suite, the visual interplay between them enhancing an already superb performance. These are outstanding musicians, if you can, go hear them play.”