Sofia Gubaidulina (1931-2025) emerged from the Soviet Union as an innovative composer to keep an eye on. She proved herself to be one of the most foremost composers not just from Russia but internationally.

Gubaidulina was a composer who fully committed herself to music of emotional intensity. To step into her world of music is to hear spirituality and religion intersect with modernity and innovation.

Once described as “irresponsible” and “mistaken” under the unforgiving arts regime of the Soviet Union, Gubaidulina would go on to be recognised as “the grand dame of new music” (Boosey & Hawkes) and “the most important Russian composer of her generation” (Wise Music).

Ronan Apcar and Ellery String Quartet present a humble survey of her music; a profound response to Bach’s final unfinished work, a playful yet existential musing for violin and piano, and a great work from her early period, the Piano Quintet.