Chamber Music
Chamber Music is of central importance in the development of musicianship, ensemble skills, communication and rehearsal skills, as well as stylistic awareness and the development of a versatile technique. Professional orchestras are always on the lookout for musicians with good chamber music experience. As such, it takes a core place in Conservatoire life.
All string players and the majority of other instrumentalists will be helped to form chamber music ensembles, and will receive mentoring and coaching, as well as opportunities to perform. For string players in years one to three, chamber music is assessed as part of the curriculum.
The Conservatoire has on its staff some of the most experienced chamber music players and coaches in the country and internationally.
The superb Castalian Quartet are quartet in residence from 2019 to 2021, and will make four visits each year to perform and coach.
In addition, there are masterclasses and coaching from visiting groups, often when they are performing at Birmingham Town Hall. Recent musicians to do this include the Belcea Quartet, the Carducci Quartet, the Capucon Brothers and the Navarra Quartet, previous Quartet it Residence.
Chamber Music Festival
In the 2019/20 season, there will be three festivals. In November, the "Novemberfest" brings together world class visiting musicians to perform and play with Conservatoire students. There will be chamber music master classes and student performances as well as celebrity recitals.
In February and June 2020, the Conservatoire joins the rest of the musical world in celebrating the 250th anniversary of Beethoven's birth with performances of almost all his chamber music.